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emorials .

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Idermen, .

rovosts,ancl
bord Provosts
of Aberdeen .

1272-1895

AM.MUNRO.

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nDemoriale

OF TIIK

ALDERMEN, PROVOSTS,

AND

LORD PROVOSTS OF ABERDEEN,

1272-1895.

Sir DAVID STEWART
oi' Banchory.

»(be?^

/IftcmociaU

ALDERMEN, PROVOSTS,

LORD PROVOSTS OF ABERDEEN,

1272-189S.

ALEXANDER M. MUNRO

F.S.A. (Scot.)

ABERDEEN: 1. ^

PllINTED FOR THE SUBSCRIBERS. N> ' i 1

MDCCCXCVir. r ,

"FREE PRESS" PRINTING WORKS,
ABERDEEN.

PREFACE.

Among the royal burghs in Scotland, Aberdeen holds a prominent
position for the completeness of its municipal history, and in no
respect is this more clearly shown than by glancing down the
long list of those who have held the chief civic position in the
community. In making a retrospect of the municipal life of the
burgh, we are indebted to the almost unbroken series of local
records, both civil and ecclesiastical, for the material used for
placing in relief the history of those who, in times gone past,
have guided the counsels of the ancient burgh.

The aim of the following sketches is to gather up the frag-
ments of history relating to the various occupants of the civic
chair, and to group round them some of the incidents of their
municipal career, with the possibility, it may be, of interesting
not a few in the fact that, as Baillie Skene says, " this city hath
not been a barren mother or nurse in our Israel in bringing
forth and breeding up many eminent men and brave spirits,
whereof there may be set down a large catalogue." The list
of those who have filled the chair, so far as recovered, embraces
the names of one hundred and forty-two individuals, who might
fitly find a place in such a catalogue as Baillie Skene proposed.

How or when the municipal government originated in Aber-
deen it is impossible to say, but there is distinct evidence of
its existence, in some form or other, for at least two centuries
before 1272, when the first alderman is mentioned. The scarcity,

vi. Preface.

however, of records during that period has made it impossible to
recover the name of one single individual who can in any way
be identified with the position of the chief civic ruler in the
burgh during those centuries. For about a century after 1272,
it is worthy of note that the information, scanty as it may be,
is preserved in ecclesiastical rather than civic documents, adding
one to the many proofs of the powerful position and widespread
influence exerted by the old Church. This fact is the more re-
markable in the case of Aberdeen, seeing that its civic records
are the most complete of the kind in Scotland.

The title given to the chief magistrate in burghs has changed
at various times and in different places, but the following are
met with in Scotland : — mayor, burgh grieff, alderman, provost,
and lord provost. The former two terms, mayor and burgh
grieff, so far as is known, were never used in Aberdeen, but the
other three designations occur in the order stated. The earlier
records are, as a rule, written in Latin, and some difficulty has
been experienced in the interpretation of the term " prepositus,"
especially as used during the fourteenth century. In the Ex-
chequer Rolls there sometimes appear in a single year, as
rendering the burgh accounts, no less than three persons called
" prepositi," and it is siipposed that the term, as then used,
would more closely correspond with the burgh baillies as opposed
to the " ballivi," who, at the same period, were more properly the
receivers of the Crown revenues. In Aberdeen, the term " pre-
positus," as meaning provost, came into general use about 1460,
although alderman, in use prior to that year, is continued to a
later date in minutes written in English.

The older term of alderman after having been in disuse for
over a century, was revived for a short time at the beginning

Preface. vii.

of the seventeenth century as applied to those members of the
Council who had passed the civic chair. For nearly four
centuries, however, the title provost was the official designation
used by the chief magistrate of the burgh in signing minutes,
deeds, letters, &c., although in press notices, letters, and in other
ways to be afterwards mentioned, the title of lord provost was
generally recognised, and it was not till 1863 that any question
as to the use of the title was raised. The occasion was in connec-
tion with the arrangements for the order of the procession at the
inauguration of the Albert Memorial in London in that year,
when it became necessary for the burgh authorities to assert
their claim to the title of lord provost, so that Aberdeen might
take its rightful position among other corporations during the
ceremonies.

Though the chief magistrate was officially designated provost*
by the municipal authorities, there is a long series of precedents
in favour of the higher title of lord provost. During the sixteenth
century there are innumerable petitions engrossed in the Council
Registers addressed to " My Lord Provost," while the large collec-
tion of original letters preserved in the city archives contains
sufficient evidence that the title was applied to the chief magis-
trate not infrequently by all classes. On the 10th February,
1594-5, when Ludovick, Duke of Lennox, was made a burgess of
the burgh, he " protestit befoir God and befoir my Lord Provest
and Bailleis that he professit and avowit with his hairt the trew

* In many cases the authorities themselves are curiously indifferent as to the
exact stj'le, for in the minute of the election of 1817, the town's officer returns
an execution of " a precept by Alexander Eraser, Esq., Lord Provost of Aber-
deen," ordering the new Council to attend the meeting at which Charles Forbes
was elected " to be provost."

viii. Preface.

religion." In a sermon by the Rev. John Paterson, entitled " A
Sermon of Thanksgiving for the Safe and Happy Returne of our
Gracious Soveraign, &c.," printed by James Brown in 1660, the
discourse is said to have been preached at the desire of the " Lord
Provost, Baillies, and Councell ; " while the dedication of Baillie
Alexander Skene's Succinct Survey, printed in 1685, is to " The
Right Honourable Sir George Skene of Fintray, Lord Provost,
&c." In later times the title has been in constant use in Acts
of Parliament and other official documents.

In the recent controversy raised by Dundee claiming the
title of lord provost in the Convention of Burghs, the cases of
Glasgow and Aberdeen were cited as examples where the title
was used without authority. This, however, is not the case, so
far as Aberdeen is concerned, for the question was the subject of
discussion in 1863, among those responsible for advising Her
Majesty at the time of unveiling the statue of the Prince Consort
at Aberdeen. Indeed the difficulty then raised was not so much
about the title lord provost, as that of " The Right Honourable
the Lord Provost," which was claimed by the late Sir Alexander
Anderson, who was then chief magistrate. Mr. Gladstone, then
Chancellor of the Exchequer, took the advice of the late Dr. Joseph
Robertson, of the Register House, Edinburgh, in the matter, and,
as the latter says, " I had no difficulty in placing before Mr.
Gladstone a string of precedents extending over more than the
last two hundred years, such as I think satisfied him of the
right of the Provost of Aberdeen to be recognised by the Queen
as Lord Provost." On the question of Right Honourable, Dr.
Robertson was not able to report so favourably to the claim of
Aberdeen, although he very carefully guarded himself by saying
that his opportunities for investigation, at the date of Mr. Glad-

Preface. ix.

stone's request, had been limited. In this connection his opinion
is valuable as to what would constitute a good claim, and is
worth quoting as showing the nature of the precedents he relied
upon for the title of lord provost. He says — " If you can show
that the style of Right Honourable was used at a later period
than I am aware of, of course my difficulty is removed, provided
always that you can show that the style was not claimed merely
by the Lord Provost, but actually awarded to him by persons of
high rank, or in circumstances such as to make their practice in
such a case of some authority." It will thus be seen that not-
withstanding the value which some may be inclined to put on
the precedents above-mentioned, the claim to the title of lord
provost has rested since 1863 upon undoubted authority. In the
discussion raised by the case of Dundee, it was frequently
asserted that only by charter or an overt act on the part of the
Crown, could the dignity be properly conferred. In the case of
Aberdeen, it is held that the title of lord provost, which had been
fortified by a long series of precedents, was acknowledged and
confirmed to the city in 1863 when Her Majesty, in conferring
the honour of knighthood on Mr. Alexander Anderson, designed
him Lord Provost of Aberdeen.

The other burghs in Scotland whose chief magistrate is called
lord provost, are — Edinburgh, whose right is derived from royal
authority granted in 1667, and whose chief magistrate is a right
honourable, in virtue of his having been a Privy Councillor ex
officio ; Glasgow * also uses the style of lord provost and right
honourable, and claims these titles by their being recognised
through usage in local acts of Parliament, &c. ; Perth claims the

* Letter, Town-Clerk of Glasgow, " Scotsman," 5tli April,

X. Preface.

title of lord provost also from usage ; Dundee holds the title by
warrant, dated 10th February, 1892, under the hand of the
Secretary for Scotland, sionifying Her Majesty's pleasure that
in all time coming the chief magistrate " shall bear and use and
be known by the seal and title of Lord Provost of the City of
Dundee."

The office of chief magistrate has always been looked upon
as one of honour and dignity, and in that code of burgh laws,
the Leges Burgorum, it is provided that the alderman and
baillies are to be chosen " of the gud men of the toune, the
quhilk are to be lele and of gud fame." During their period
of office they are forbidden to bake bread or brew ale to
sell within their own proper house, as actions derogatory to the
office they held in the community, nor were they to act unjustly
in the exercise of the power given into their hands, but without
fear or favour or influenced by hate or love, " to do rycht till all
men." On the other hand, the laws provide that the alderman,
in the exercise of his high office, should not be the object of
malice, since it is declared that " gif ony man dispersonis or
missayis the aldirman in full courte, it behoves him, with
his friends, te deny it with open mouth, sayand that he leyit
of that he said of him, leyande a pledge in his wyl, cryande
him mercy thairoff. And efterward he sal swear upon the holy
sacrament that nevir evil of him be wate. And if he missay
him ane other time, he sail be in the mercy of the aldirman
and of his nychtbouris, so that he sail mak amends to him that
he missaid."

In Aberdeen the provost was elected along with the other
magistrates at the Head Court on the first Monday after
Michaelmas up till the end of the sixteenth century, when

Preface. xi.

the date of election was changed to the Wednesday preceding
Michaehnas (29th September), and since 1833 the election has
been held on the Friday subsequent to the first Tuesday in
November. The dates given in the list as applicable to the
respective provosts refer to the Michaelmas meeting at which
they were elected, thus John Cheyne, elected in 1593, continued
in office till the Michaelmas election of 1594.

At several of these elections some remarkable scenes took
place, which will be referred to at the proper place, but it may
be here stated that it was not for want of the materials for
a pleasurable meeting that disturbances often occurred. The
first entry on the discharge side of the treasurer's accounts is
almost invariably something like the following : — " Imprimis,
immediatlie efter the electioun of the Magistrattis and Counsall
at Michelmes last debursit for the wyne and collatioun spent in
the Counsal hous to the new and auld counsallis and deacones
of craftis convenit at the election."

It may be well here to explain the manner in which the
election was carried through as provided for by the set of the
burgh, as regulated by the Decreet Arbitral of James VI., 7th
December, 1592^ and the Convention of Burghs, 5th July, 1596.
The first step was the preparation of an exact roll of the whole
burgesses of guild, and from this list the old Council chose
an indefinite number who were voted upon as members of the
new Council, the thirteen having the greatest number of votes
being declared elected. The Council thereafter elected four of
their own number, known as the " old four," and from the list of
deacons of the incorporated trades two persons as " trades
councillors," thus completing the required number of nineteen
persons. This part of the proceedings was conducted in the

xii. Preface.

earlier part of the day, and after an interval of some hours, the
members of the newly-elected Council met along with the remain-
ing fifteen members of the old Council and the remanent deacons
of trades, making in all forty persons, and made choice of the
provost, magistrates, and other office-bearers, such as treasurer,
master of kirk-work, master of mortifications, and others. In
the absence of any of those entitled to vote at the second meeting,
power was given to supply their place by selecting any one of
the burgesses on the roll. The qualifications insisted upon for
any person on his becoming provost or councillor were that he
should be a burgess and actual indweller within the burgh, and
it is of interest to note that when the Marquis of Huntly became
provost in 1545, he had first to qualify as a burgess. The
provost, when so elected, was, from 1760 downwards, invested
with the chain of his office, and presented with the silver keys
of the city in token that to him had been entrusted the duty
of safeguarding the interests of the burgh and its inhabitants.
This latter custom of presenting the keys is believed to be of
very early origin, although no definite date can be condescended
upon when it commenced.

Lord Chief Justice Campbell, in his "Lives of the Chancellors"
(Vol. I., p. 5, 1st edition), refers to a privilege enjoyed by the
provost of Aberdeen in not going to the Bridge of Dee with the
other magistrates to meet the Judges when on circuit, and
explains the custom from the fact " that on one occasion the
Grand Justiciar thought proper, for some imaginary oflfence, to
hang a provost of Aberdeen at the Bridge of Dee ; since which
the Lord Provost of Aberdeen never trusted himself in the
presence of a judge beyond the walls of the city." For this
statement Justice Campbell was challenged by Baillie G. B.

Preface. xiii.

Bothwell,* who attributed the custom, so far as not meeting the
Judges was concerned, to the death of Provost Davidson at
Harlaw.f The Lord Chief Justice repeated the statement in the
second edition of the " Lives," and replied that his own explana-
tion of the custom had also a local origin, and he preferred it to
that of Baillie Bothwell.

Another custom of more recent date is that of placing
two lamps with the town's arms at the residence of the lord
provost, which are allowed to remain there during his lifetime.
This custom is not confined to Aberdeen, but was begun here
in 1838.

The Lord Provost is, ex officio, Chairman of the Harbour
Board and President of Robert Gordon's College, and has a seat
at the University Court and at the Royal Infirmary Board,
while he is a member of numerous other trusts. He still
figures, although with doubtful authority, in Debrett as one of
the " Vice-Admirals of the Coast of Great Britain and Ireland,"

Several lists of the provosts of the city have previously
appeared in print, the first being given by Baillie Skene
(" Philopoliteius ") in his Succinct Survey of 1685, already re-
ferred to, and another by Kennedy in his Annals, Volume II.,
p. 230. Kennedy's list is by far the most complete of any, but
in no case has he stated his authorities, and, though considerable
trouble has been taken to trace the sources of his information,
the result has been only partially successful. It has been
thought advisable, however, to include all the names given by
him, with this explanation that those for which no charter or

^' Aberrhen Journal, 25th February, 1857.
t Cf. Notice as to this tradition on p. 25.

xiv. Preface.

other authority can be cited are simply taken on Kennedy's
statement.

My best thanks are due to the many friends who have kindly
sent me information relating to various provosts, to those who
furnished corrections on the Memorials as they first appeared in
the daily newspaper, and to Miss Skene, Folkestone ; Colonel
Innes of Learney ; Major Leith-Ross of Arnage ; Mr. George
Cadenhead, Advocate, and others, for permission to copy paint-
ings of provosts in their possession.

A. M. M.

26 Dksswood Place,
Aberdeen, December, 1896.

ALPHABETICAL LIST

ALDERMEN, PROVOSTS, AND LORD PROVOSTS.

In the body of the book, provosts, on their first occupancy of the chair, have their names in
large type, and the progressive number in Roman numerals (I.-CXLII.) ; subsequent terms of
service are denoted by the names being in smaller type, and by tlie use of Arabic numerals (1-142).

Page.
Abercrombie, John, Jun., - 252, 255

Aberdein, Alexander, 224

Alanson, Andrew, 52, 54

AUardes, John, - - - - 197, 203, 205
Anderson, Sir Alexander, - - - 284

Andrewson, William, 18

Auldjo, George, 253

Bannerman, Alexander, - - - - 13

Patrick, 208

Benyn, Adam de, 19

Blaikie, James, - - 274

Sir Thomas, - - - 277, 282

Blinseile, Robert, 58

Brebner, Alexander, - - - 262, 269
Brown, Alexander, - - - 270, 272

Cementarius, Richard, 1

Chalmers (de Camera), Alexander, 42, 45
Alexander, of

Cults, - 122

Alexander, of

Murthill, 51,54,

55, 57, 63, 70

Thomas, 28, 35, 39

William, of Fyn-

don, - 16, 19

William, Son, 20

William, 220, 232

Page.

Cheyne, John, 118

Cochran, Walter, 188

Collison, John (1521), .... 84
John (1594), - - - - 119
Cruden, William, - . - . 250, 253
Cruickshank, Robert, .... 199
William, . - 215, 218
Cullen, Alexander, 1 12, 124, 125, 128, 129

Andrew, 77, 94

George, 168

John, 66

Davidson, Robert, 21, 28

William, 240

Dingwall, John, 258

Duff, Adam, - - 246

Duncan, John, .... 238, 241, 242

Edynhame, Robert, 6

Esslemont, Peter, 291

Farquhar, Sir Robert, - - 151, 163
Fichet, John, 27

Mathew, 40

Forbes, Charles, - 267

Robert, - - 179

Fordyce, George, - - - 211, 213, 215
Foty, Laurence de, .... 12, 16
Fraser, Alexander, 265

XVI.

Alphabetical List of the Aldey^nun,

Fjfe, John de, -
Fyngask, David,

- 37, 40, 47, 49
5

Garvock, Laurence, ----- H

Gelchach, Symon, 4

GifFard, Andrew, 28

Thomas, 30

Gordon, Alexander, 185

John, 200, 211

Gray, Gilbert, - - - - 171, 174, 178
Thomas, - - - - 154, 157, 167

William, - - 173

Greatheued, Mathew, - - - - 1, 2

Hadden, Gavin, - 269, 271, 272, 273

James, - 260, 263, 265, 273

Hay, Hugh, 218

Henderson, Sir William, - - - 297

Henry, George, 281

Huntly, George, Earl of, • - - - 99

Jackson, William, 29

Jaifray, Alexander, II. of Kingswells,
141, 145, 148
Alexander, III. of Kingswells,
157, 164

John, 169

Jamieson, George, 289

Johnston, John, ------ 193

Robert, - - - - 139, 144

Jopp, James, - 243, 245, 247, 249, 251

Kintore, Richard, - - - - 49, 50, 53

William, 31, 33

Kynnedy, Duncan, ------ 3

Leith, Laurence de, 19

William, ------ 7, 13

Leslie, George, 183

James, ------- 57

John, 73

Sir Patrick, - 137, 147, 148, 156

William, 288

Leys, Thomas, 257, 262

Livingston, Alexander, - - - - 232
Lynton, Symon, 6

Page.

Malauill, Duncan de, 3

Marr, John (1442), 41, 48

John (1514), 81

Matthews, James, 294

Mearns, Daniel, 304

Menzies, Alexander, - - 54, 57, 63, 73

Andrew, 48, 50

David, Younger, - - 65, 70

David, Elder, - - - 126

Gilbert, - - - - 32,34,39

Gilbert, of Findon, 75, 78, 83,

87, 91, 95

Gilbert, of Cowlie, &c. , - 105

Sir Paul, - - - - 132, 139

Sir Thomas, of Cults, 116, 121,

126, 129

Thomas, of Durn, - - 109

Thomas, of Pitfoddels, 88, 94,

95, 101

Merser, Thomas, ----- 5, 11

Milne, James 276

Mitchell, Thomas, . . - - 195, 199

j More, George, 256, 263

i Morison, George, 165

I James, Senior, - - - . 216

I James, Junior, - 226, 235

Mowat, William, 236

Nicol, Alexander, 286

Nicolson, George, 131

Patton, Alexander, ----- 199

Pelgoueni, Malcolm de, 2

Petrie, Robert, - - - - 175, 178, 180

Reid, Alexander, - -
Robertson, Alexander,
John, - -
Ross, John, - - - -
Roull, Thomas,

- - 68
223, 232, 238

- - 219

- - - 203

- - 29

Rutherford, Alexander, 114, 122, 124,
126, 127, 128, 129

David, 130

Sir John, - 61, 60, 64, 66,
68, 71

Provoslt^, and Lord Provunfs of Aberdeen.

xvii.

Page. : Page.

Sandilands, John, 187 j Thompson, George, Junior, - - 279

Scherar, Andrew, - - - - 53, 55, 56

William, 45

Scroggs, John, Father, - - - - 35

John, Son, - - - - 47, 48

Shand, George, 241, 245

Skene, Sir George, 180

Stewart, Sir David, 299

Robert, - 205,210,213,214
Strabrock, William, 4, 5

Tulloh, John, 15

Vaus, John, 31, 34, 37, 44

Walker, Alexander, 194

Webster, John, 282

Young, James, Junior,
William, - -

- - 264

248, 250

APPENDIX.

1. Complaint to Privy Council against the family of Menzies, Page 307

2. Act of Parliament in favour of Sir Robert Farquhar, - .. 309

3. Governors of Aberdeen : ,, 310

(a) Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum.

(b) William Moir of Lonmay.

4. Provosts and Chief Magistrates of Old Aberdeen and Woodside n 311

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Sir David Stewart of Banchory, .... Frontispiece.
Sir Paul Menzies of Kinmundy, - - - to face Page 132

Sir George Skene of Fintray and Rubislaw, - n 180

John Ross of Clochcan and Arnage, • - - " 203

James Morison, Senior, . - . - - ,, 216

William Chalmers, .----- „ 220

John Duncan of Mosstoun, . . . . „ 238

Thomas Lej's of Glasgoforest, . - - - m 257

James Hadden of Persley, .... ,, 260

James Blaikie of Craigiebuckler, . - - „ 274

Sir Alexander Anderson of Blelack, - - - ir 284

James Matthews of Springhill, ... ,, 294

Sir William Henderson of Devanha House, - .. 297

Daniel Mearns, h 304

Chantry stone of altar of S.S. Laurence and Ninian - Page 10

Seal of Laurence Garvock, ,.12

Seal of Mathew Fichet, ------- „ 40

Seal of Alexander de Camera, ,.43

Arms of Robert Blinseile, ..60

Arms of Sir John Rutherford, ..62

Seal of John Cullen, ..67

Seal of John Marr, ,.83

Arms of Thomas Menzies and Marion Reid, ■ - - ,. 89

Seal of John Collison, .,120

Arms of Alexander Rutherford, ----- „ 127

Arms of Sir George Skene, ,,181

Keys of the city, ,, 306

Signatures of Provosts, ------- ■paanim.

nDemoiials

OF THE

ALDERMEN, PROVOSTS, AND LORD PROVOSTS

OF ABERDEEN.

1272.

I. IRicbarC) Cementactus

(Kennedy).

In 1277 he founded the altar of S. John the Evangelist within
the church of S. Nicholas,* and among the various annual rents
granted for the support of the chaplain, there is mention of a sum
of 10s. 8d. from S. John's croft. The immediate object of the
foundation was for the repose of the soul of Elene, his spouse.
In 1294, about which date he probably died, his executors grant
an obligation to the chaplain concerning the revenue of this altar.

1273.

II. /Ilbatbew (5reatbeue^

(Kennedy).
The earliest reference found to this alderman is in a charter
dated in 1273, where he is designed as one of the "prepositi,"
but, as already explained, this term, which may have misled
Kennedy, does not refer to the chief magistrate, but rather to
that of collector of the customs. In another chartert dated the

* Reg. Epis. Abd., I., 35. t Marischal College Charters.

2 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

day before the Feast of S. Valentine, 1274-5, he is designated as
baillie, and witnesses a gift of an annual rent of 3s. 6d. from pro-
perty in the Green made by Gilbert the Smith to the Carmelites,
The name is here given as Grecheued, and still another form is
Gretheuith.

In this same year occurs one of the earliest references to the
trade of Aberdeen,* which is of considerable interest as showing
the nature of the exports from the burgh during the thirteenth
century. A vessel freighted by Aberdeen merchants, while on a
voyage from that port to S. Omer, in France, was boarded off
Yarmouth, and the following goods taken by one John Adrian of
Winchelsea: — 56| sacks of wool, 5| dacres of ox hide, 150 salmon.
200 " bords " of oak, a trussel of deer's hide and lambs' skins, and
much other merchandise. This piratical act was the subject of
communications between the two courts, but whether the mer-
chants got restitution or compensation for their goods does not

appear.

1281.

2. MATHEW GREATHEUED
(Heg. Epis., II., 279).

In a charter granted in this year by Martin the Goldsmith, to
Walter Maleuile, of an annual rent of eight merks from various
properties in town, there appears among the witnesses " Matheus
Greatheued tunc aldermanus de Aberden." In the same testing
clause Roger de Ry, William Alkoc, and William Marescallo,
" tunc temporis prepositis de Aberden," also appear as witnesses.

1284.

III. /IDalcolm t)e pelgoueni

(Mo.rischal College Charters).
The name is also given as Balgovny and Palogoueny, and is
evidently territorial, the probability being that he was proprietor
of the lands of Balgounie, near the old Bridge of Don.

* Calendar of Documents relating to Scotland, II., 2-3.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. '^

The Carmelite Order in Aberdeen obtained from David II., in
1341, a charter confirming their older gifts, and this deed of
confirmation gives these old charters in full. From this source
we learn that, in 1285, William, the son and heir of Gilbert de
Fynocht, granted various sums to the Carmelites, and the deed of
gift is witnessed by " Malcolmus de Pelgoueni tunc aldermannus."
Malcolm Avas still alive in 1294, for he and Duncan, merchant
burgess, as executors of the late Richard Cementarius, granted
the obligation to the chaplain of S. John's altar, already referred
to.*

1309.

IV. H)uncan &e /IDalautll

(Beg. Epis., I., 41).

His name is given by Kennedy as Melville, but the form given
in the charter has been followed. In 1310 the Chancellor of the
Cathedral granted an assedation or lease of the " Spittalhills" to
Alecia Chapelane, and among the witnesses there appears the
name of " Duncanus de Malauill tunc aldermannus."

1321.

V. Duncan 1ki?nnet>\>

(College Charters).

Bethune, son of Constantine, by charter dated on the Feast
of S. Simon and S. Jude (28th October), 1321, grants an annual
rent of 2s. to the Carmelites from property on the north side of
the Green. Among the witnesses are " Duncanus Kynied tunc
aldermannus," John Mercer, Richard, son of Andrew, Nicolas de
Lidele, and Thomas, son of Reginald, baillies.

The surname of Kennedy appears to have been common in
Aberdeen at this time, for Peter Kynidy appears, in 1333, on an

*Reg. Epis. Abd., I., 35.

4 Metiiorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

inquisition regarding the second teinds of the Bishop * and David
Kynidy returns the account of the burgh ferms in 1376 in the
capacity of baillie.t

1326-28.

vi. Simmon (Belcbacb

(Kennedy).

] 329-31.

VII. Milliam Strabrock of jfoveran

(Kennedy).

In 1340 he founded the altar of S. James the Apostle within
the Church of S. Nicholas, near the column on the north side of
the nave, and furnished it with all the necessary utensils.

By subsequent charter, dated on the Saturday in the Feast of
the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (25th March), 1340,
he granted, with consent of his son and heir, William Strabrock,
three annuities or ground rents, amounting to £3 l7s. 8d., from
tenements in Castle Street, and one part of land lying in the
street of Foty, which was formerly called Bedbacks, for the
support of a suitable chaplain to officiate at the altar, and to say
prayers for himself, parents, and friends. J In 1401 William de
Strabrok, a descendant doubtless of this alderman, furnished the
altar with a chalice, breviary, missal, and suitable vestments.

1332.

6. SYMON GELCHACH
(Reg. Epia., I., 54).
His name appears on the inquisition appointed, in 1333, to
inquire into the bishop's right to the second teinds of all the
king's rents and fines — " Symon dictus Gelchach, aldermanus."§
In 1327-8 and 1337 he appears as one of the customars of the
burgh.

* Reg. Epis. Abd. , I. , 54. f Chamberlain Rolls.

X Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 46 ; Reg. Epis. Abd., I., 67. § Reg. Epis. Abd., I., 54.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen.

1333-34.

7. WILLIAM STRABROCK of Foveran
(Kennedy).

William Strabrock received a charter in 1340 from Robert
I.* of the lands of Foveran and Ardache, with three parts of
Auchmacoy. Henry Strabrok, probably a grandson, conveyed, in
the succeeding reign, the barony of Foveran to William Toryn
[Turing], who had a charter of confirmation from David II.

1341.

VIII. 2)a\>fb jf^ngasft

(Beg. Epis., I., 72).

His name occurs as one of the witnesses to a deed of gift,
dated 12th September, 1342, made by Thomas Bonere to the
Cathedral Church — " David de Fyngask tunc aldirmannus de
Aberden." In 1341 and 1343 he is given as one of the
customars. John de Fyngask, evidently a relative, appears on
an inquisition in 1335.

1343.

IX. Ubomas /iDersev

(Kennedy).

This surname appears in local records during the previous
century, and marks the beginning of a migration to the north of
the younger branches of the great families settled in the south of
Scotland. In 1281 Duncan Merser is witness to a charter,+ and
in 1350 Thomas adorned the altar of S. Nicholas wnthin the
Parish Church with a tabernacle representing the Passion of our
Lord. He was buried in front of the same altar. :j:

*Antiq. Abd. and Banff, I., 364.
t Reg. Epis. Abd., IL, 279. :t Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 13.

6 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1348.

X. Simmon X^nton

(Kennedy).

Skene* gives this name as Lynto, and quotes as his authority
" an old evident," but, as a rule, Kennedy's names, where they can
be compared with the original sources of information, are oftener
correct, and he is here followed.

1349-50.

XL IRobert BO^nbame

(Charter in Town-House and Kennedy).

His name occurs as a witness in a charter preserved in the
Town-House, which conveys an annual rent of twenty shillings
out of land in " le chekery" by Alexander Ysaac, son and heir of
Ysaac, the clerk to John de Edynhame, and dated 18th April,
1350.

This John was most likely his son, as in an agreement,!- dated
10th December, 1368, we learn that Robert was then dead, and
that his heir was John. The agreement is with the brother-in-
law of John, Thomas Lowel, to whom he conveys with consent of
his two unmarried sisters, Agnes and Elizabeth, an annual rent
of two marks out of property in the Gallowgate for behoof of
himself and his wife Margaret.

From 1840 to 1342 his name appears as one of the customars
for the burgh. The surname is frequently met with in records
of this period, for in 1365 Henry de Edinham, burgess, witnesses
a charter and Robert appears as Rector of the Church of MethlickJ
On the 31st May, 1380, George Edinham is a witness to a grant
by Laurence Hill to the Carmelite friars.§

Succinct Survey. t Beg. Epis. Abd., II., 284. X Ibid., I., 113.
§ College Charters Mass, X. , 26.

Lord Frovods of Aberdeen.

1351-55.

XII. Mmtam Xeitb of IRutbdeston

(Keimedy).

It is evident from the little that can be gleaned of Provost
Leith's life that he was a man living in advance of his times. In
1350 he is said to have married a daughter of Donald, 12th Earl
of Mar, and to have been the progenitor of the Leiths of Leith-
hall, Freefield and Glenkindie. It may be mentioned that the
exact relationship of his wife to Donald is disputed, and the pro-
bability is that she was an illegitimate daughter, as she finds no
place in the accepted pedigrees.* The issue by this marriage was
two sons, Laurence (his heir) and John.

In the following year tradition has assigned him the chief
part in a doleful tragedj'' — to wit, the slaughter of one Baillie
Catanach. It is a fact often remarked upon that men's evil deeds
live longer than their good, and, if this be so, we can give full
credence to the story that the two bells, Laurence and Mary,
which formed part of the old peal of S. Nicholas, destroyed by
the fire of 9th October, 1874, were a propitiatory offering, along
with the Justice Mills, for the deed of blood concealed beneath
the cairn on the moor of Barkmill. That the story is not a fable,
and that the bells were gifted by Leith in 1351, the evidence of
the Chartulary of the church can be produced to show.

The following is a translation of the entry narrating the gift: —

" 1351. An honourable man, William Leithe, in his own (life-) time
adorned and decored the Parish Church of S. Nicholas of Abirdene
with two large bells of great price, hanging in the bell-tower, at bis own
cost and expense, whereof the name of the one is Lawrence and the
name of the other Mary. To whose soul may God be gracious. "f

Regarding the names of the two bells, it is suggested that the
larger bell, Laurence, or, as it was more familiarly designated,

* Davidson's Garioch, p. 72. t Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 180.

8 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

" Lowrie," was so named after S. Laurence, the patron saint of
the Provost's family, as appears from subsequent donations, and
that Mary, the smaller of the two bells, was so called after the
Virgin, to whose honour he later on enlarged the Quire of
S. Nicholas dedicated to her. Laurence had an inscription upon
it which has been preserved, along with some additional matter
added when the bell was recast at Middleburg in 1634. It does
not appear that there ever was an inscription on the smaller bell,
or, at least, it was not preserved after Mary was recast some few
years after Laurence.

"In 1351, William Leyth, Provost of Aberdeen, presented this Bell

to the Church of S. Nicholas of Aberdeen. Thereafter, a cleft having

been made in it, at the expense of the Community it was recast in the

year 1634 while Sir Paul Menzies of Kinmundy, Knight, was Provost.

To the only God be Glory.

Michael Burgerhays made me in the year of

our Lord 1634.

Lo, I, the bell, do not proclaim the praise

of that which is unholy.
I glorify the Creator,
I draw away the fear of thunder,
I mourn in solemn tones the departed,
I tell of the recurrent rites of faith,
I move the heart of man that is joyful.
Behold me, I am Laurence ! "

Leith's gifts to the church did not cease with the bells, for,
in 1352, he gave a priest's complete vestment of blue velvet
embroidered with gold, and, in 1355, he enlarged the choir of the
Virgin towards the south by the space of sixteen feet, and
there founded the altar of S. Laurence and S. Ninian, almost at
the spot where the stone after referred to is now placed. His
transactions in the purchase and sale of lands were numerous and
widespread, but his chief estates were those of Ruthrieston, and
Barns in the parish of Premnay, by both of which he is occasion-
ally designated. He was elected to the civic chair at Michaelmas,

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 9

1352, and continued to act as alderman till the Michaelmas
election in 1356, and again for the term of one year from
Michaelmas, 1373. While in this capacity we find him repre-
senting the town in the Parliaments, especially that held on 26th
September, 1357, when he gave in the burgh's consent to stand
surety with Edinburgh, Perth, and Dundee for the ransom
money of their king, David II., who had been taken prisoner at
Neville's Cross in October of the previous year. Pending the
payment of the ransom, Leith went into England the following
year along with several others as hostages. It would appear
that this was not his first journey into that country, for, under a
safeguard of Edward, he had made a previous visit to purchase
wheat, barley, and pease on account of the failure of these crops
in the north through unseasonable weather.* The only other
official position which he held, so far as ascertained, was that of
Collector of the King's Customs at the port of Aberdeen, a post
which he seems to have retained for several years.

At his death, which occurred on the 5th August, 1380, he
was interred in front of the altar of S. Laurence and S. Ninian.
He left a bequest of an annual rent of 13s. 4d., payable out of
the croft of John Cheyne, lying at the Crookit Myre in Futy,
for an annual obit for the repose of his soul and that of
Christian, his spouse. A second grant of 10s., out of property
on the east side of the Gallowgate, was made for an obit in
memory of Agnes Glenny, his second spouse, who survived till
1409.t

On a small brass plate placed beneath a sadly mutilated
sculptured stone built into the wall on the west side of Drum's
Aisle we read : —

Rotuli Scotiae, p. 802. t Reg. Epis, Abd., II., 216-217.

Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

This stone leads us back to a remote period of our burgh
history, and is one of the oldest links between the traditions of
to-day and the events transacted over five centuries ago.

The Chantry stone, part of the altar of S. Laurence and
S. Ninian, which may be looked upon as a monument to the
memory of Leith, is divided into an upper and lower compart-
ment. On the upper panel, under a richly-sculptured canopy,
there is a female figure with four children kneeling, with an
open book in front of them, before what had most probably been
a cross, but the chisel of the reforming Covenanters has entirely
obliterated every trace of it. The lower panel had undoubtedly
contained an inscription, the shape of some of the letters being
distinctly visible, but the shedding of the sandstone has rendered
hopeless any attempt to recover even a part of it. The stone
was carefully cleaned and the brass plate inserted in the wall
below it about 1836, at the expense of Mr. Leith Ross of Arnage,
one of Provost Leith 's descendants.

It need only be remarked here that this stone is also claimed
as a monument to Provost Robert Blinsele and his wife, from the

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 11

fact that a shield with the Blinsele arms now appears on the top
of the stone. The conjunction of the two stones is, however,
probably accidental as some of the other fragments preserved in
the transepts clearly show.*

1360-62.

9. THOMAS MERCER

(Kennedy. Council Register).

In one of the volumest of the Council Register, about the
date 1460, there is a copy of a gift of an annual rent of 13s. 4d.
granted to the altar of S. Laurence and S. Ninian within the
Parish Churc]i of S. Nicholas by Laurence Davidson. The deed
of gift is dated 20th November, 1361, and among the witnesses
there occurs the name of Thomas Mercer, alderman.

From the Chamberlain Rolls we learn that during this period
of office Mercer had most probably to entertain, if not lodge, the
Court when David II. paid the burgh a visit in 1362.

1366.

xiiL Xaurence (Barvocft

(Old Charter).

There is a procuratory, dated 23rd September, 1367, by
Emma de Dunfermline, cousin and heiress of Alexander de
Dunfermline, in favour of William de Callabro, chaplain to
Queen Margaret, John M'Kelly, John de Ross, and Alexander
Madeth, for resigning her share of Longforgund, and among the
witnesses occurs the name of Laurence de Garioch, alderman.

In 1357 Laurence Garvock was a Commissioner to Parliament
as representing the burgh, and his elevation to the office of
alderman had, in all probability, followed upon a series of
services rendered to the struggling burgh in a number of minor
offices. Although his exact relationship to the families of

Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 192. tVol. V.^ 688.

12 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Balnacraig and Caskieben cannot be stated, there is a strong
presumption that he was a son of Sir James Garviach of
Balnacraig, and consequently a brother of Andrew de Garviach
of Caskieben.*

His seal which has been preserved among
the Glamis charters (circa 1380), is an ex-
ceedingly pretty one, the charge being a
chevron between three acorns slipped. The
shield is placed in the centre of pointed
tracery, round which runs the legend, " S.
Laurenci D. Garwoc."t

1367.

XIV. Xaurencc &e ifot^ ot Materton

(Kennedy).

This surname appears to have been not uncommon about this
period. Thus, in 1342, we find David de Foty witnessing a deed
in favour of the Cathedral Church of Aberdeen, while Sir Adam
de Fotlity, rector of Cushnie, renders part of the accounts of the
tax raised in the Sheriffdom of Aberdeen for the ransom of the
King. What relationship, if any, these persons had to the
Alderman has not been ascertained.

It is of interest to note that the oldest name of Footdee was
Foty, supposed to be derived from S. Fotin, and the road leading
from the burgh to the Sandness was called the Road of Foty,
or Foty Gate.

On 21st December, 1391, the Alderman assigned to the
Cathedral Church an annual rent of one mark from the Abbey
lands of Deer called Fothill, which had been granted to him in
exchange for a tenement and land in the street called Foty Gate.
This house is believed to have long remained the town residence
of the Abbots of Deer.:}: A footnote in the Registrum says that

*Cf. Davidson's Garioch, p. 62. fLaing's Scottish Seals, II., 69.

+ Reg. Epis. Abd., I., 189.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 13

the tenement referred to stood on the ground afterwards
occupied by Marischal's lodging on the south side of Castle
Street.

The Alderman was married to Marjorie Blacwatre, and they,
with consent of their son and heir, John de Foty, granted on
20th March, 1402-3, a disposition of a half of the lands of
Blacwatre, with their pertinents, lying in the barony of Inver-
ugy, county Banff, in favour of William de Dalgarnoe, laird of
Fintray.* These lands had evidently been part of the marriage
portion of his wife, or had fallen to her as an heiress.

Besides the estate of Waterton, which gave him his designa-
tion, he at one time held part of the lands of Rubislaw, and was
proprietor of several crofts within the burgh.

From two of these crofts at the Denburn, formerly in
possession of John Crab, he, on 1st April, 1403, granted an
annual rent of 13s. 4d. to the Carmelite Friars. f

1372.

12. WILLIAM LEITH of Kutiiriestom

(College Charters Mass., X., 25).

In a charter by Laurence de Foty, confirming John Crab in a

croft in the Barony of " Rubbyslaw," dated on 1st June, 1373,

the name of William de Leth, " tunc aldermanus," appears among

the witnesses.

1373.

12. WILLIAM LEITH of Ruthrieston

(KemiedyJ.

1382.

XV. Hlei-anber Bannerman of Materton an5 iSlsick

(KeimedyJ.

Alexander Bannerman was the son of Mr. Donald Bannerman,
physician to David II. On 2nd May, 1373, he received a charter

* Antiq. Abd. and Banfif, I., 423, 493. t College Charters.

14 Memorials of the Aldermien, Provosts, and

of the lands of Slaty, within the thanage of Aberdeen, from
Alexander, Bishop of Aberdeen, and in this deed his father,
Donald Bannerman, is referred to as " quondam." This grant is
made in consideration of the services Donald had rendered in his
capacity as physician to the Bishop, and likewise for the great
labours of his son, Alexander, towards the Church.

The lands of Elsick in Kincardineshire, with which the
family have been so long associated, were acquired by the Alder-
man on 4th October, 1387, from Sir Alexander Fraser of Cowie, and
the purchase was confirmed by a charter under the Great Seal,
dated at Scone, 19tli October, 1388. The estates remained in
possession of the family till 175G, when they were purchased by
the Town of Aberdeen, but since then the family have again
acquired a large part of the estate by way of feu.

The other estate of Waterton had been granted to his father
by a charter from David II. in the following terms:— "Delecto
medico nostro Donaldo Bannerman terrarum de Clyntreys et
duarum Achronnies lie Watertoun et lie Walton." The charter
is dated at Scone on the 21st June, in the 39th year of the King's
reign (1368). Waterton was held by the successive members
of the family until Alexander Bannerman conveyed it to his
father-in-law, John Johnston of that ilk, by disposition dated
27th May, 1611. The estate after this date passed through several
hands, being for long associated with the family of Forbes.

Close beside the banks of Ythan the ruins of the house of
Waterton can still be traced, but

" Vainly is sought, as here you roam.
The tower which marked the chieftain's home ;
The bending reed and islet gray
Are all that watch swift Ythan's way.

"A smooth, green knoll — an arch hard by
Of rude and antique masonry,
A straggling ash — a scatter'd stone.
Is all that tells of Waterton."*

* Family of Forbes of Waterton, 1857.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 15

The surname Bannerman, it is believed, is derived from the
office of king's standard-bearer, and Fordoun relates that when
Alexander I. was crossing the Spey to quell a disturbance in the
north the representative of the name on that occasion in some
way failed in his duty, and so displeased the King that he there,
and then deprived the family of their hereditary right. The
chronicler relates that the office was then bestowed on Sir
Alexander Carron, the ancestor of the Scrymgeours, who became
the hereditary standard-bearers of Scotland.

It is further asserted that to mark their disgrace in time to
come, the Bannermans were ordered to bear the Royal Standard
reversed on their shield, and that rather than do this they
refused to use anus. How far this, or, indeed, any part of the
story, is true it is, perhaps, now impossible to say ; but, in view
of the legend, it is interesting to note that, in 1446, John
Bannerman of Elsick had on his seal three bears' heads erased.*

The arms borne for centuries by the Bannermans, and said to
be the old arms of the family, are gules, a banner displayed
argent, and thereon, in a canton, azure, a S. Andrew's Cross, of
the second ; and for crest, a man in armour proper. Motto —
" Pro patria."t

1383.

XVI. 5obn CuUob

(College Charters Mass., XIX., 3).

The surname is also given as Tulch and Tulach. He was one
of the customars for the burgh, and in this capacity rendered
accounts from 1877 to 1380. In 1390, a Walter TuUach was
depute chamberlain for the parts north of the Forth. |

About the middle of the fifteenth century a family of this
name with interests in Aberdeen, appear as holding lands in the
neighbouring shire of Kincardine. Of this family was William

* Laing'.s Seals, II., 16. + Nisbet's Heraldry, II., 144.

i Chamberlain Rolls.

16 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

de Tulloch of Arbroath, who, on 10th September, 1444, granted
an annual rent of 5s. out of Monymusk in favour of the
Carmelite Friars of Aberdeen.*

1385-90.

l-i. LAURENCE DE FOTY of Waterton

(Ke7inedy).

Robert II. paid the burgh a visit in 1389.

1391-94.

xvii. Milliani De Camera of jfpn&on

(College Charters Mass., XIX., 4. Kennedy).

The authority for this alderman's election at Michaelmas,
1391, is to be found in a charter by Thomas Daltoune of an
annual rent of 9s. out of land in the Shiprow in favour of
William Dunbar, dated 1st August, 1392, in which his name
occurs as one of the witnesse.s.

William de Camera, or Chalmers, was a younger son of
Robert Chalmers II. of Balnacraig, by his wife, Helen Garvie-
haugh, and progenitor of that branch of the family designed as
of Murthill, Methlic, and Cults. His first holding of land was in
Cromar, near the paternal home of Balnacraig, and the estate,
which was acquired by charter, dated 20th June, 1356, from
William, Earl of Douglas, comprehended the lands of Easter
Ruthven, in the lordship of Mar. There is, likewise, a confirma-
tion in his favour of this property under the Great Seal, of date,
10th August, 1377. On 6th April, 1388, he obtained a charter
from Adam, Bishop of Aberdeen, of the Church lands of Murthill,
and in this deed he is described as the son of Robert Chalmers of
Kyntore and Balnacraig. The grant of Murthill was for his life
only, and for the reddendo of ten merks yearly he received the
lands " cum bondis bondagiis nativis et eorundem sequelis." The

* College Charters.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 17

words conveying the bondmen and their issue were omitted from
the subsequent charter granted in 1402.* In 1390 he increased
his holding in land by obtaining a grant of the lands of Findon,
in Kincardineshire, which were held by the family for a short
time. The Church lands of Banchory-Devenick were also held
by him in tack for his own life on payment of one penny at the
Cathedral Church of Aberdeen, under a charter from Bishop
Alexander de Kyninmund II., dated 4th October, 1374.t

William Chalmers held many important public offices, not the
least of which was that of Clerk of the Justiciary Rolls north of
the Forth. This office was conferred upon him by charter from
David II., dated 27th October, 1368, and it was in execution of
this office that we find him present on 11th October, 1380, as
Clerk of the Court held at the Standing Stones of Kingussie
and again, in the same month of 1398, acting in a similar
capacity at a Court held at Elgin. The Exchequer Rolls show
that he was one of the baillies of the burgh in 1373, and acted as
one of the customars from 1380 onwards. In 1398 he repre-
sented the burgh at the Parliament held at Linlithj^ow.

A faithful son of the Church, his benefactions were on a
scale becoming his position. In 1360 he founded the altar of
S. Katherine within the parish church of his native burgh, as
appears from the following entry in the Chartulary of the
church : —

"In the year of our Lord, 1360, an honest and discreet man,
William de Chalmers of Fyndon, and burgess of Aberdeen, founded
the altar of S. Katherine in the Parish Church of Aberdeen, and
supplied it with the image of the saint situated above it, and a gilt
chalice and other holy vestments seemly for divine service. And he
was buried before the altar. On whose soul may God have mercy. "J

The principal event in municipal life which has come down
to us as occurring during this term of office was the obtaining, in

* Deliciae Literari^, p. 263. t Reg. Epis. Abd., I., 118.

; Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 16.
4

18 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1393, of a charter from King Robert III. granting licence to the
community and burgesses to build a Town-House anywhere
witliin the burgh except in the centre of the Market Place.
This permission resulted undoubtedly in the erection of a house
on the north side of the Castlegate.

The Alderman was married, but to whom we are unable to
say, and of his family only the names of two of his sons have
been preserved — Thomas and William — both of whom were
elected aldermen, and will be noticed afterwards.

On 12th August, 1404, Chalmers was at Kildrummy Castle
and witnessed the charter which conferred on Alexander Stew^art,
Earl of Buchan, not only the earldom of Mar, but the hand of
the widowed countess.*

William de Camera died most probably in 1406, as in that
year there is a reference to one of the same name in the Council
Register who is described as " quondam." The accounts in the
Exchequer Rolls also vary after that rendered in 1405, which
also tends to confirm the opinion that a change took place before
the accounts for 1406 came to be presented. A William de
CaQiera, " pater," appears in the list of common councilmen up
till 1412, when the break in the Council Register takes place.

1395.

XVIII. Milliam HuDrewson

(Rey. Epis., II., 294).

The name of this alderman is preserved in a charter, dated
3rd July, 1396, by Marjory and Margaret Strachan, daughters of
the late Michael Strachan, and nearest heirs of the late John
Edinhame, burgess, by which they convey an annual rent of
6s. 8d. to William Reid of Badfothale. Among the witnesses
there occurs the name of " Willelmus Andree tunc dicti burgi
aldermannus."

* Antiq. Abd. and Banff, IV., 168.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeev. 19

He was alive in 1408, as his name appears in the tax-roll
made up in that year.

1396-98.

17. WILLIAM DE CAMERA
(Kennedy. Council Register, I., \).

The last election, that of 1398, is the first one preserved in
the existino^ Council Registers, and the earliest record of a
municipal election in Scotland.

The minute of election bears that the Alderman was elected
with the consent and assent of the whole community.

1399-1400.

XIX. H&am De JBen^n

(Coimcil Reg., I., 71, 163;.

The members of tliis family seem to have been pretty
numerous in Aberdeen about this period, as appears from the
various municipal lists. Adam was a baillie in 1392. Symon
held a similar position for several years about 1398, and in the
list of baillies for 1409 there is the name of Alexander Benyn.

The Alderman was dead in all probability before 1408, as his
name does not occur in any of the Council lists after 1401, nor is
he mentioned in the tax roll of 1408.

1401-3.

XX. Xaureuce t>e Xettb of Bants

(Council Reg., I., 209. College Charters).

The election at Michaelmas, 1401, is the only one recorded in
the Council Register, but on 1st April, 1403, he, in his capacity
as alderman, witnessed a charter of a gift by Laurence Foty.

He was the son of William Leith of Ruthrieston (12), and on
his father's death he received a grant, dated 6th April, 1388, of

20 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

the lands of Capronstoun for his life, holding of the Bishops of
Aberdeen, the reddendo being a silver penny.*

His heir was Norman Leith, whose son John was the pro-
genitor of the Leiths of Overhall.t

1404.

XXI. Milliam &e Camera, Son

(Kennedy).

The Council Register at this date is very badly kept, and no
record of the election at Michaelmas, 1404, is inserted.

The early history of this alderman is associated to a con-
siderable extent with that of his father, and in some cases it is
apparently impossible to wholly distinguish between father and
son.

A son of William Chalmers of Fyndon, he appears at an
early stage as taking an active share in municipal work. In
1398 Robert II. visited Aberdeen, and in the burgh account
rendered in 1390 by him in his capacity as baillie, there is
entered in the discharge a sum of £4, the value of a gift to his
mother by the King.

From the Chamberlain Rolls for 1396 it is evident that he
enjoyed some hereditary position as doorkeeper of the Exchequer,
for in that year he was called upon to exhibit the charter by
which he held the post. It is to him likewise that in all
probability the entry in the S. Nicholas Chartulary refers under
date 29th September, 1417, when it records the gift of a per-
petual annuity of £6 13s. 4d. to the altar of S. Katherine,
founded, as already noticed, by his father in 1360. This dona-
tion was made for the good of his soul, and also of that of
Elizabeth, his late wife, and his father and mother. In this
entry he is designed as of Findon, he evidently succeeding to
this property, while his brother got Murthill.J

* Reg. Epis. Abd., I., 186. f Davidson's Garioch, p. 458.

J Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 37.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 21

In a charter conveying certain annuals to the Carmelites,
dated in 1421, the gift was witnessed among others, by his two
sons William and Thomas, as well as by Gilbert Menzies, his
grandson.*

The date of William Chalmers' death is uncertain, but it
must have occurred after 12th September, 1431, if the grant then
made for endowing the altar of S. Salvator was by him. There
is, of course, the possibility that this bequest of 40s. from the
lands of Brynnas Tull in Buchan was made by his son William.t

1405-8.

xxii. IRobert DavlDson

(Council Register, Vol. I., 263, //., 17).

The elections for 1406 and 1407 are not entered in the
Register, but passing references make it evident that Davidson
occupied the civic chair for the period stated.

Without exception, perhaps, the name of this alderman is the
best known to the citizens of to-day, for the hero Provost who
lost his life in defending the burgh's liberties has been a figure
standing out in our civic history as a comburgess whom all have
taken a special pride in remembering.

The surname occurs once or twice in local records about the
middle of the fourteenth century, but chiefly through the
transactions of a Laurence Davidson, who has been already
referred to as granting a charter in 1360, and one William, son
of David, who witnessed a charter by Isaac the Clerk in April,
1350. Either of these may have been the father of the Alder-
man.

Robert Davidson appears, in 1395, along with William
Chalmers, as joint Collector of the King's or Great Customs at
the port of Aberdeen, and his accounts in this capacity extend
to 1410. He was a baillie in 1398, and a member of the Council

* College Charters, I., 13. + Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 37.

22 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

in the succeeding years up to his election as alderman at
Michaelmas, 1405.

His position in the burgh seems to have been that of a
general merchant, with which was combined that of a wine
merchant, or, rather, keeper of a taberna or wine booth, situated
in the Shiprow, where in all probability he also resided, as the
burgess of that period would scarcely have had his dwelling-
house separated from his business. He appears very often also
in the Burgh Court in pleadings for sundry parties, and this was
evidently a matter of a profession with him. It is in connection
with this calling that we learn of his possessions, for in 1401 he
was admitted in the Baillie Court as attorney for John Wright
in an action for the recovery of 13s. 8d., the amount of the
annual rent of the property next his own in Shiprow. The
accounts of the customs show that he also acted as agent by
collecting the pensions or annuities for several persons of high
rank, among others, Sir Malcolm Drummond, the first husband
of the ill-starred Isabella, Countess of Mar ; for James Stewart,
brother of Robert III. ; and for the unfortunate Duke of
Rothesay.

The burgh accounts engrossed in the Council Register for
1398 show us Davidson in his capacity as merchant, for there
occur such entries as the following : — " In the taberna of Robert
Davidson for Alexander Stewart and various neighbours of the
toun in various potations, xxs. — Item on account of Alexander
Stewart for wine before Robert Davidson's gate, lis." — the latter
evidently a stirrup cup. The Alexander Stewart here mentioned
was none other than the natural son of the Earl of Buchan,
better known in his day as the " Wolf of Badenoch," who was
evidently not a stranger in the burgh, as is shown by the
numerous payments on account of the hospitality accorded to
him.

Davidson's connection with Stewart was apparently that of a
friend, for, when the latter became Earl of Mar, the Alderman's
name appears on more than one occasion as a witness to deeds

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 23

executed at Kildrummy and Kincardine, while staying as the
guest of the earl. One of these occasions was in December, 1410,
when round the earl's board there sat as guests Bishop Gilbert
Greenlaw, of Aberdeen, Chancellor of Scotland ; Henry Leighton,
his successor in the See, but then known as the Rector of
Kinkell ; Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum, Robert Davidson, and
others. The gathering at Kildrummy may have been to spend
Yule, but there is a possibility that it was to discuss the rumours
that may by that time have reached Aberdeenshire of the
invasion which was within the next few months to burst upon
the northern counties, a danger of much moment to the well-
being of the country at large and of vital importance to many of
those then assembled round the table. The events which led up
to the transactions of the next few months are matters of general
history and cannot be gone into at any length here, suffice it to
say, that, owing to a dispute regarding the earldom of*Ross, in
which Donald, Lord of the Isles, was an unsuccessful claimant,
he headed the Highlands in a great and final struggle for the
Celtic supremacy of Scotland.

Whether the possibility of such an attack had been looked
upon as uncertain is not known, but the fact is made perfectly
clear that when Donald and his host did burst on the semi-
lowlands of Aberdeenshire, the invasion took the country by
surprise. After successfully plundering Morayshire, Donald, it
is said, offered the trading port of Aberdeen as a prize to his fol-
lowers, and, all eager for the anticipated plunder, they hastened
through Banfishire, Strathbogie, and the Garioch, till opposed by
the defending force at Harlaw, near Inverury. This force,
under the Earl of Mar, was far inferior in numbers to the
hordes from the Highland fastnesses, and had been hastily sum-
moned from the retainers of the lairds of the county and of
the neighbouring shires of Kincardine and Forfar, with con-
tingents of burgesses from the various burghs whose fate hung
in the balance. Though small in number, they were inspired
by the highest motives, and generally were well armed, a con-

24 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

dition which gave them a great advantage over their opponents,
while their leader, the Earl of Mar, and several of his followers
had, by their experience in the French wars, acquired a con-
siderable amount of military skill, which they were enabled to
use with advantage. The only record preserved in the Council
Register of this interesting event is a list, evidently written in
haste, of " those chosen to go out against the Katerans," and
containing the names of forty burgesses. The number who
went out to the battle, however, was, in all probability, con-
siderably greater, for in one or two cases the burgesses took
men with them, while the list does not contain Davidson's
name. Of the force sent to meet Donald, says the author of
" Don " :—

"From Aberdeen five hundred warriors came,
All clad in steel and nob unknown to fame ;
There Provost Davidson led the chosen band,
And brave Hugh Ross next him had the command.
Both men of prowess and superior force ;
One led the foot the other ruled the horse."

On the moor of Harlaw the opposing forces met, in the
words of the old rhyme —

"July twenty- fourth, St. James' Even
Harlaw was fought, fourteen hundred and eleven."

The result of the conflict was that the Celtic invasion was
checked, for although no decisive victory was gained over
Donald, the battle gave him such a reverse that he found it
impossible to implement his promise to give his followers the
burgh of Aberdeen to plunder, and found it more prudent to
draw off his force and retreat northwards.

The fight, from all accounts, was for the time a sanguinary
one, and its character is appropriately expressed in ballad litera-
ture as that of the " Brim battel of the red Harlaw." This
expression was well warranted when the victors came to count
what the victory had cost them, for besides those of lowly rank,
there were among the slain Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum, the

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 25

Constable of Dundee, George Ogilvy, son of the laird of Auchter-
house, with many others of quality, including

. . . " the Knight of Lawrieston

Was slain into his armour scheen,
And gude Sir Robert Davidson,

Wha Provost was of Aberdene."

Davidson's body was carried home from the field of battle
by his comrades for honourable interment in the Parish Church ;
and the approach to the city of the mournful cortege has been
well described in a ballad by one of our townsmen, the late
Norval Clyne : —

" 'Twas the same band, returning all.

The living and the dead ; for there
The frequent corses to the wall

Their wounded comrades feebly bare ;
And there, unvisored, pale and dead,
Stretched on his steed, where torches shed

A dim and fitful ray.
The Provost came, and o'er him spread

The town's broad banner lay."

Douglas, in his " East Coast " (1782), says that the Council on
this occasion passed an Act forbidding the chief magistrate to go
outside the city walls in future on any expedition whatever, and
in this statement he was followed by Sir Walter Scott, although
there is no ground for believing that any such Act was passed, or
that the custom of the burgh was such as to lead to any such belief.

The Alderman was buried in front of the altar of S. Ann,
which had been founded either by his father or himself, as appears
from the following entry in the Chartulary of S. Nicholas. After
narrating several gifts made to the altar " of that potent man,
Robert Davidson, burgess," which were made by the chaplain in
1361 "at the cost and charges of the said Robert, his master, and
of himself equally," it proceeds : — " Which Robert, at that time
provost of the foresaid burgh, built the town-house on the north
side of the market-place opposite the cross, at the cost and
charges of the community. And he was a man brave and bold,
who prospered in all things, and died in the war of Harelaw, and
5

26 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

with him many praiseworthy burgesses, staunch and steadfast,
rooted in honest principles and inured in all probity (whose
names, for lack of time, and because of errors as to names, cannot
now be set down as it were fitting), in defence of the town, and
for the liberty of their fatherland under the banner of Alexander
Stewart, Earl of Mar. And the said Robert was buried before
the altar of S. Ann, in the foresaid parish church. On whose
soul may God have mercy."*

Kennedy relates that the burial-place of the Provost within
the old church was marked by an inscription on the wall to the
following effect ; — " Sir Robert Davidson, Slain at Harlaw, Eques
Auratus." The knightly title of Sir accorded to the Alderman
appears to be a mistake, which has arisen from the fact that
Boece in his account of the battle has included his name among
the " equites aurati " who were slain. Ballad and other literature
has persistently followed the example once given, but the
Council Register and the entry in the Chartulary given above,
written not long after 1411, do not support the contention some-
times made that Davidson may have been knighted on the field
previous to the battle. One other tradition connected with the
doughty deeds of Harlaw is referred to here only because at one
time it obtained considerable credence, viz., that the stand of
armour preserved in the vestibule of the Town-House is the
identical coat of mail worn by the Provost at Harlaw. It is
needless to say that the probabilities are against the tradition,
which, it is suspected, is not yet a century old.

Davidson's memory, along with that of two other aldermen,
Fyfe and Roull, was long kept green in the minds of the citizens,
as the following extract from the Kirkwork Accounts for 1591-2
plainly shows: — "2nd August (1592), comptit with Ion Mellin,
painter, for makin quhyt of the est gevill of the suth 111 above
the thregreisor settis, and the wrethin with owill of the bills to
say to keip the memorie of FyfFe, Roull, and provest Davidson."

* Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 16.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 27

The only one of Davidson's family of whom there is any
record is a daughter, Margaret, who married David de Leslie of
Leslie, unless an entry in the burgess register in 1400 can refer
to the admission of two of his sons, Henry and Thomas, sons of
David, and for whom he stands as cautioner.

When the rebuilding of the old church, now the West Kirk,
took place about the middle of last century, the grave of Provost
Davidson was opened in 1740, and the remains of the body were
discovered, along with a small silk cap which had been on his
head when buried. The cap was taken possession of by Mr.
John Davidson, jeweller, and by him given to a Mr. John
M'Gowan, as our informant says, " to pave the way to an intro-
duction," as the jeweller had expectation of having some business
to transact with Mr. M'Gowan. It is said the cap was exceed-
ingly interesting to the investigators of the rise and progress of
the arts of the country, showing, as it would, the state of the
silk manufacture at that time.*

The tombstone of the Provost was in existence in 1811, with
the inscription quite legible upon it, and when the boiler-house
was erected in Collison's Aisle the stone was reversed so as to
preserve it. The boiler was removed in 1874, but although a
special search was then made, no trace of the stone referred to in
1811 could be found, and thus the only monument within the
church to the memory of the gallant Provost who fell at Harlaw
is his stone ef^gy, which at present lies in the recess of the
Collison tomb in the north aisle.

1409.

XXIII. 5obn ficbet

(Council Beg., II., 53).

His name appears for the first time as a member of the
Council in 1405, and the first office which he held was that of

* MS. collection of notes, 1780-1805, in possession of ex-Dean of Guild
Walker.

28 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

aldernican. There are indications from the Council Register that
he was a man of more than ordinary means, for in the tax
roll for 1408 he is stented at a sum much in excess of that
paid by the majority of burgesses. His name appears in the
Council lists so late as 1435.

1410.

22. ROBERT DAVIDSON
(Council Beg., II., 101).

The Council Register contains no minute referring to any
election in room of Davidson after the battle of Harlaw in July,
1411.

1411.

XXIV. HnDrew (Bfffart)

(Council Reg., II., 112).

He appears in the Council lists in 1405, and for some years
after as one of the magistrates.

In a charter by Pa. Sharp to William Ross, chaplain, dated
2nd October, 1408, he appears in his capacity as baillie, and his
seal, which is attached, shows a charge, — barry of six argent and
ermine ; in the sinister chief point a boar's head couped " S. Ade
Giffard."* He was alive in 1424, as his name appears as a
witness to a charter dated in that year.f

1412.

XXV. Ubomas ^e Camera

(Council Reg., II., 126).

This alderman was a son of William de Camera of Findon
(17), and brother to William de Camera, son (21). He received
from Gilbert Greenlaw, Bishop of Aberdeen, on 10th August,

* Laing's Seals, II., 70. f Reg. Epis. Abd., I, 221.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 29

1402, a prolongation of the tack of the lands of Murthill, which
had been granted to his father in life-rent.* Like the other
members of the family, he was mindful of the Church, and on
24th March, 1437-8, he endowed the family altar of S. Katherine
"for the salvation of my soul and of Elizabeth, my wife — and
specially for the souls of those from whom, justly or unjustly, I
have or obtained any good things." The foundation consisted of
various annual rents, amounting in all to £6 13s. 4d., and payable
from the Gallowhills, Mary Croft, Gallowgate, and other places.t

His wife, who is referred to above, was Elizabeth Bindseil,|
by whom he had a son, Alexander, who succeeded him in
Murthill, and the following family — Mr. Thomas, Curate of
Aberdeen ; Mr. William, Robert (?), Richard.

Among the members of the Council for this year there were,
besides the Alderman, three persons of the name of Chalmers, all
evidently members of the same family, while the Earl of Mar
had acquired property within the burgh so as to qualify him for
a seat at the Council Board, as his name also appears on the list.

1413-14.

xxvi. Mtlliam 5acftson

(Council Reg., II., 190. Kennedy).
He was a member of the Council for a few years previous to
this date, and in 1408, and again in 1411, he was one of the four
baillies.

1416.

XXVII. xrbomas IRouU

(Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 38).
This surname appears among the proprietors of land both in
the countj' and burgh for some considerable time previous to
Roull's election as alderman. Barnard de Roule made resigna-
tion of the lands of Folerule so early as 1365. The Chartulary
is the authority for sajnng that Roull was alderman in this year,

* Reg. Epis. Abd., I., 206. t Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 44. J Ibid., II., 186.

30 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

but in the charter of VVilHam de Camera, dated 29th September,
1417, where his name occurs, he is called " prepositus," and, it'
held to apply to the office of chief magistrate, it is one of the
earliest references to that term being used for this purpose.

As Dr. Joseph Robertson remarks, it is conjectured that this
alderman belonged to the same family as that of an ancient bard
whose works are lost, and who is only known to have written
from the reference made by Dunbar in his " Lament for the
Makaris " :—

' ' He [Death] hes tane RouU of Abirdene,

And gentill RouU of Corstorphine ;

Two better fallowis did no man see

Timor mortis conturbat me."

This good opinion would seem to be justified, for RouU was
one of the three provosts whose memory was specially kept in
remembrance by the citizens.

Among those who went to fight at Harlaw there are the
names of John and Thomas Roull. The Alderman was alive
and able to witness a charter at Kildrummy Castle in January,
1423-4.*

1419.

XXVIII. Ubontas (BtffarC)

(Kennedy).

The blank in the Council Registers from 1412 till 1433
prevents us from verifying Kennedy in reference to some of
his names between those dates.

Of the same family was doubtless William Gifiard, who
grants an annual rent of 20s. to the altar of S. Mary Magdalene
from his land in the Shiprow. The gift, which is dated 6th
September, 1475, was specially made for the welfare of the
souls of the original founder, Andrew Alanson and his wife,
Walter Gifiard and Agnes Ancroft, his spouse, and for the
granter and Christiana, his spouse.t

* Collections for a History of the Shire, p. 555. t Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 299.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 31

1420.

XXIX. 5obn Daus

(College Charters Mass., I., 13).

The surname appears to have been a common one about this
period, as it occurs in many deeds, &c., relating to the sale and
transfer of property. A burgess family of this name were pro-
prietors of the lands of Mennie, and it was Richard, a member
of this family, who granted to the Franciscan or Grey Friars in
1469 his property in Broad Street for their monastery. He is
referred to in the obituary of the Order as " a man of pious
memory, Richard Vans, laird of Many, who gave the site of
this convent to the Grey Friars, for which, it is said, he could
have received a hundred pounds. He died 1478."

Gilbert Menzies, burgess of Aberdeen, for value received,
grants to Donald de Caldor the lands of Drumnaglas, in the
barony of Kerdale, county Inverness, by a charter dated 30th
March, 1421,* to which Vans is a witness, and is designed as
being then alderman. Among the charters at Marischal College
there is one dated 8th August, 1421, in which William de Camera,
laird of Fyndon, grants two crofts in the territories of Rubislaw
to the Carmelites, and among those witnessing the deed of gift
the name of Vans appears in his capacity as alderman.

Other references to this year of office are to be found among
the charters in the " Registrum Episcopatus Aberdonensis " and
in the " Thanes of Cawdor."

1421-22.

XXX. MlUiam Ikintore

(Kennedy. College Charters Mass., I., 10).

This is the first alderman of a family several members of
which held the office of chief magistrate. For the first year of
office Kennedy is the authority, and for the second term a

* Thanes of Cawdor, p. 8.

32 Meviorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

charter, granted by Andrew Keith of Innerrogy, conveying an
annuity of 40s. to the Carmelite friars of Aberdeen, and dated
26th October, 1422, mentions among the witnesses William de
Kyntor, presently alderman.

1423.

XXXI. (BUbert /Iftensles

(Reg. Ej>h., I., 219).

This alderman is the first of a family which, for the next two
centuries, had almost the entire control of the burgh affairs, as
during that period its members occupied the civic chair for
nearly a hundred and thirty years. Gilbert is supposed to
have been a younger son of Sir Robert Menzies of Wemyss, in
Perthshire, and, along with a brother William, came north to
push his fortune in the trading burgh of Aberdeen. His name
appears in the rental of 1408 as taxed for 12d., and in the
Council list for 1412 he is one of the baillies. The transactions
in land in which his name occurs are numerous, and show that
he must have been possessed of considerable means. As already
mentioned, he disposed of the lands of Drumnaglas, in the barony
of Kerdale, County Inverness, to Donald de Caldor in 1421, and
in 1435 he acquired lands nearer at hand. In the charter room
at Slains Castle there is a copy of a charter in his favour and
that of his wife Isabella of the lands of Lasgownie in that parish,
dated 3rd November, 1435.* He also appears to have held
several wadsets over properties in Aberdeenshire and Kincar-
dineshire. One of these transactions was the occasion of the
King granting letters to Robert, Maister of Keth, Knj'^cht, and
Alexander Ogilby of Inverquharity, sheriffs-depute of Kincar-
dine, narrating that Gilbert Menzies, burgess of Aberdeen, had
pursued at the Sheriff Court held at Inverbervy, on 28th
May, 1442, John of Tulch and Wat his son for a sum of eight

* Collections, p. 393.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 33

score, but without receiving satisfaction. The narrative relates
that, finding no goods within the slierifFdom to poind, Gilbert
" gert ouer maris (officers) set a strop on the lands of Porter-
stoune and the Orcharefelde," which action the letters uphold and
direct Thomas Galmok, mair, to give Gilbert heritable state and
possession of these lands in full of his debt.*

The authority for Menzies being alderman in 1423 is found
in a charter by Andrew de Futhes, in favour of Alexander Forbes
of the lands of Lytilwerthyll and Hairlaw, dated lOtli Febru-
ary, 1423-4, and in which the name of " Gilbertus de Menzheis
prepositus de Aberden " occurs among the witnesses.!

Besides occupying the position of alderman, he also repre-
sented the burgh in the Parliaments held in 1434, 1449, and
1450, his expenses on the first of these occasions amounting
to £16, while his fellow-commissioner, John Vaus, had his
expenses fixed at £9 18s.

In 1452 he founded and endowed the chantry or altar of S.
Sebastian within the parish church of S. Nicholas. |

The Alderman was married to Isabella Liddell, a daughter, in
all probability, of the John de Lyddale who is mentioned as
possessing property in the Shiprow about 1892, and by her he
had at least one son, Andrew, his heir, who was afterwards
alderman.

Gilbert Menzies was dead by 1463, as he is described as
" quondam " in a charter dated in that year, and his monument
was said to be in existence within the West Church about the
beginning of this century, although no trace of it can now be
discovered.

1424.

30. WILLIAM KINTORE

(Beg. Epis., I., 221).

His name appears as one of the witnesses to a charter granted

* Reg. Mag. Sig., IL, 86. t Reg. Epis. Abel, L, 219.

J Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 26.
6

34 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

by John, son of Henry, burgess of Aberdeen, to Alan de Futhes,
of the lands of Newlandis, dated 7th November, 1424.

It was during this term of office that the negotiations were
completed for the ransom of King James, and for which the
burgh, along with Edinburgh, Perth, and Dundee, granted an
obligation in name of the other burghs of the kingdom for the
sum of 10,000 merks,

1425.
29. JOHN VAUS

(Kennedy).

1426-27.

•SI. GILBERT MENZIES
(Rerj. Epis., I., 22-5. Kennedy).

In a charter conveying the vicarage of Fyvie, and dated 20th
June, 1427, the name of Menzies appears among the witnesses.

1428-30.
20. JOHN VAUS

(Kennedy, Burgh Seal).

Reference has already been made to the obligation undertaken
by the burgh for the ransom of King James I. from his captiv-
ity in England, and it is supposed that as some, if not
indeed, the only recompense, received by the burgh for the
money advanced, the King granted a new armorial coat to the
town. The old seal was in use as the " common seal " up till
1424, and the matrices of the new seal bear that they were
made in 1430, and there is no occurrence of importance between
these dates which would account for granting new arms except
the part the burgh took in procuring the King's freedom. The
seal and counter-seal, after having been lost from the custody of
the Council for several years, were restored in 1883, and are
among the most interesting relics of the municipal government

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 35

of the past which the Town Council possess. Both seal and
counter-seal have the following inscription cut on the back : —

$'d mnCi, The obverse of the seal shows a castellated tower on
a shield, round which runs a tressure with sixteen fleurs-de-lis
supported by two lions [? leopards], identical with the supporters
as figured in the privy seal of James. The reverse shows, within
a masoned wall with open gateway, under a canopy, a figure of
S. Nicholas, mitred and vested, in the act of blessing, and on his
right a representation of his famous miracle of restoring his three
scholars to life.

1431-34.

25. THOMAS DE CAMERA
(Council Berj., IV, 113, 114).

In the Council Register, which now recommences and is
henceforth complete, Chalmers renders the accounts of the burgh
for four years, and thus the period between the terms of oflfice
of Vans and Scroggs is accounted for.

1435.

XXXII. 3obn ^c ScrcGOS, jfatbev

(Council Rtg., IV., 45).

Scroggs was a surname not uncommon in Aberdeen at this
time, and the surname is frequently met with in municipal lists.
This alderman was, in all probability, a son of David de Scroggs
by his wife, Isabella de Turyne. This David rendered the account
of the burgh ferms in 1384 in the capacity of baillie, and in the
Council list for 1398 he also appears as one of the four magistrates.
During the latter year of office he made a gift of several annual
rents of the value of 6s. 8d. out of his property on the north side
of the Netherkirkgate to the Carmelite Friars for the repose of
the soul of his deceased spouse Isabella de Turyne.

The Alderman had been a member of the Council for some
considerable time, and as early as the year of Ilarlaw (1411) he
had occupied the office of baillie.

36 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

John Scroggs obtained some notoriety from the fact that he
served on the inquest which, on 16th October, 1438, returned Sir
Robert Erskine as nearest legitimate heir to his cousin the late
Isabel, Countess of Mar and Garioch, in the second half of the
earldom. In the subsequent struggle regarding the earldom,
James II. held an assize of error at a justice-ayre, held within
the tolbooth of Aberdeen on 15th May, 1457. James was, of
course, fighting for the right of the Crown to the earldom, and
scrupled at nothing which would advance his cause ; so Scroggs
was called before him in private as the eldest of the survivors of
the inquest of 1438. In the presence of the King the Alderman
was prepared to swear anything, for he made the admission that
he had no personal knowledge of the propinquity of Sir Robert
to Isabel, Countess of Mar, and that he and the others had
been induced into acting as they did by the bland words and
feigned lies of John Haddington and other counsel of Lord
Erskine. Knowing the King's intentions, Scroggs confessed
his error and humbly implored his pardon, throwing himself
on the King's mercy for the remission of his guilt. With such
a witness as the Alderman there could be little doubt as to the
finding of the Assize ; indeed, as the late Earl of Crawford says,
the testimony of the other four witnesses — survivors of the in-
quest— " tended simply to corroborate that of the hoary scoundrel,
John Scroggs."*

Another action relating to his own property does not in-
crease our respect for Scroggs as one who would persevere in the
right whatever the consequences might be. The Alderman was
married, and by his wife Marion he had two sons — Alexander
the elder and John. Both sons were also married and had issue,
but by an arrangement to which the elder son was said to
be a party, the heritage was to pass to the second son John and
his issue. Scroggs died about November, 1459, predeceased by
his son Alexander, and in terms of the arrangement, the heritage

* The Earldom of Mar in Sunshine and in Shade.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 37

fell to the second son John, who asked the Baillie Court to give
him sasine. Alexander had left a son Thomas, who appeared and
objected to the arrangement, claiming the whole of his grand-
father's heritage ; and probably seeing that he would get scant
justice in the local courts against his uncle, who had been three
times alderman, he laid his case before the Privy Council, and
obtained letters prohibiting the magistrates from giving sasine to
John, the son, to the prejudice of the nephew Thomas.*

The Alderman was survived by his wife for some years, and
in 1462 she, by her procurator, Robert Turing, prosecutes an
action before the Baillie Court regarding the rent of a house in
the Netherkirkgate.t

1436.

29. JOHN VAUS

(Council Reg., IV., 101).

The election at Michaelmas, 1436, does not appear among the
minutes, but, from sundry references in the Register it is evident
that Vaus held the office during this year.

1437.

XXXIII. 5obn &e jf^fe

(Council Reg., IV., 103).

So far as can be ascertained, the name of this alderman does
not occur in the Council lists up to 1412, when the break in the
volumes occurs. Fyfe appears to have carried on an extensive
trade with England, and in this capacity his name is frequently
mentioned, along with his partners, in safe conducts granted for
their trade. In 1435, along with Mathew Fychet, he had warrant
for safe conduct for himself and his servants to come to England
for four months, and some four years later his ship " Gabriel " is
licensed to trade with England for a year, while in 1453 his ship

* Council Reg., V.^, 816, VI., 259. t Ibid., V., 462.

38 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and.

"Nicholas" was granted protection for a like purpose.* The nature
of the trade between England and Aberdeen is w^ell represented
in the terms of the warrant for licence issued on 13th July, 1437,
to Thomas Bernewell, alderman and fishmonger, of London,
authorising him to freight his two vessels " le Holigost " and
" le Marie " with empty barrels, salt to salt salmon, pewter
vessels, " peaux de roe poyntz de roe vins feblez banape de
fresure," and woollen goods, and in exchange to load salmon.
This Bernewell had frequent dealings with the burgesses, and
one entry in the Council Register would lead to the inference
that he had lent money to the burgh, and had received in
security the common seal.t

During the year of Fyfe's aldermanship, three important
municipal laws were enacted, or rather re-enacted, for some of
them were as old as 1394, and are sometimes referred to as
the laws of that year. They were to the effect (1) that the
alderman and baillies were to remain in office for one year only ;
(2) that the alderman should not spend more than 20s. of the
Common Good without the consent of the majority of the Coun-
cil ; and (3) that the alderman, who then acted as treasurer of
the community, should hand in his accounts within forty days
after demitting office. The practical carrying out of these laws
was evidently attended with difficulty, for there are innumerable
references to these being disregarded, and this observation applies
with special force to the third law dealing with the accounts. In
this connection a minute dated 19th October, 1453, speaks for
itself : — " This is the answer of the comoune counsaile and divers
merchandis brethrene of the gilde of this burgh divist and con-
cludit to be geffin to John of fife and his procuratoris til his
clame of xl. lib. to appoint an assise to look and examine his
accounts."

Fyfe was commissioner for the burgh to Parliament in 1456

* Calendar of Documents relatinop to Scotland, IV., 223, 232, &c.
t Council Reg., V.^, 273.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 39

and 1458, and, as a deputy chosen to represent the burgess class,
he sat as one of the judges to administer justice in a Court held
for forty days at Aberdeen in 1457.

His holding in property does not appear to have been large,
but in 1448 we find him resigning in the hands of Duncan
Kennedy, constable of Aberdeen, an annual rent of 40s. from the
lands of Auchquhorty,* while in the following year he endowed
the altar of S. James within the S. Nicholas Church with an
annual rent of 26s. 8d. from ground on the south side of Castle
Street.

One of his sons, Thomas, became a magistrate, and was for a
time proprietor of Essintuly [Durris], from which, in 1478, he
granted an annual rent of 13s. 4d. to the altar of S. Andrew.
This estate he sold in 1488 to John Knollis, burgess of Aberdeen,
as there is a charter dated 18th March, 1488-9, in favour of the
latter and his spouse Mariote of the lands of Wester Essintulye,
county Kincardine, which were resigned by Thomas Fyfe.t The
seal of this son has been preserved, and was most probably like
his father's — Couche : a lion rampant. Crest on helmet, a swan's
neck. " S. Thome de Fyf."t Another son of the Alderman's was
Patrick, admitted a burgess in 1446.

The Alderman's name appears almost continuously in the
Council lists up to Michaelmas, 1467.

1438.

25. THOMAS DE CAMERA

(Council Beg., IV., 137).

1439.
31. GILBERT MENZIES
(Council Reg., IV., 177).

* Reg. Epis. Abel, I., 253. I Reg. Mag. Sig., II., 388.

t Laing's Seals, II. , 62.

Meviorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1440.

33. JOHN FYFE

(Council Be;/., IV., '211).

Owing to the threatened troubles with England, it was con-
sidered desirable that the burgh should be placed under a military-
governor or captain, and Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum, who
appears to have been a special friend of the town, was chosen for
the post, and held it for the next two years.

XXXIV.

1441.

/iDatbew jficbet

(Coxmcil Reij., IV., 253).

This alderman was most probably a son
of Richard Fichet, whose name appears as a
magistrate for several years about the be-
ginning of the century. Baillie Richard's
seal is attached to a charter (15th January,
1405-6) preserved at Marischal College, and
represents a chevron between three fitches
(pea pods), the shield being surmounted by
tracery.
The Alderman, as already mentioned, carried on a trade with
England in partnership with John Fyfe and others, and some-
times on ventures of his own, as, for instance, when in 1437 he
obtained licence to bring salmon into England with his ship,
"le Holigest," sixty tons burden. During his year of office the
reprisals between England and Scotland appear to have consider-
ably damaged the trade which formerly existed to the mutual
advantage of the countries, and while English ships were taken
into the harbour here, to be kept till the King's pleasure in the
matter could be ascertained, Scottish vessels shared a similar fate
in English ports. That the local trade was much crippled appears
from a minute in the autumn of 1442 authorising Fichet and
Richard Rutherford to proceed south for the recovering of the

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 41

ships and merchandise taken by the Englishmen, and granting
that their expenses in the matter should be paid out of the
common purse.

On 18th July, 1472, he granted, from various properties, per-
petual annuities to the value of £7 I7s. 4d. Scots to the altar of
S. Michael, the patronage to which was made in favour of his
grandson, John Colison, clerk, the second son of David Colison
by his wife, Agnes Fichet. From this deed of gift it appears
that the Alderman was more than once married, and that, in
addition to his daughter Agnes, he had a son John, who at that
date is described as his heir.* The Alderman probably died on
6th January, 1483-4, as an obit at the altar of S. Michael was
celebrated for him on the Sunday after the feast of Epiphany
in that year.

1442.

XXXV. sobn /IDarr, l^ounaer

(Council Be ff., IV., 281).

This alderman had been a member of the Council for some
time previous to his election to the civic chair, while the offices
of baillie and dean of guild had been respectively occupied by
him in 1435 and 1437. As head of the Guildry or Merchant
Guild his name is the first that has been preserved as acting in
the capacity of dean.

Marr was one of three commissioners appointed by the burgh
to the General Council held at Edinburgh on 19th October, 1456,
and he appears along with other merchants as sharing in the
profits and losses of the trade with England, particularly in
connection with ventures in John Fyfe's ship " Gabriel."

On 10th August, 1473, he gifted certain annual rents to the
chaplain of S. Andrew the Apostle's Altar within S. Nicholas
Church, and vested the patronage in the hands of his son Alex-
ander, t

* Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 79. f Ibid., II., 82.

42 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

The numerous extracts from Kirk Session records which have
been printed within recent years have familiarised us with the
nature of the censures imposed by the Church, but a minute
during this year makes it clear that penance had occasionally
to be made to the civil as well as the ecclesiastical courts. On
25th January, 1442-3, it is narrated that John Cadyow having
removed a net from the north water (Don) belonging to Adam
Hill, he is ordained to come with his brother before the Council,
and on their knees ask the alderman, in name of the town, for-
giveness, and pay to the kirk work 40s., and deliver up the
names of his accomplices.*

1443.

XXXVI. aierant>er be Camera

(Council Beg., IV., 319).

Alexander Chalmers was a son of Alderman Thomas Chalmers
of Murthill (25) by his wife Elizabeth Blinshill, and a grandson
of Alderman William Chalmers of Findon (17). On his father's
death he succeeded to Murthill, by which he is generally desig-
nated. Some three years previous to his election as alderman
there is a curious action at his instance before the Baillie Court,
the details of which, however, cannot now be learned. The
minute of the court is to the following effect : — " 26 Feb., 1439-
40. — Item the said day, Sanders of Chalmer put til the assise
an caice the sclander that was put til him of conspiration, the
quhilk assise fand and decretit that the said Alexander was quyte
of sic crime."!

In 1452 his name again appears in a court action regarding a
dispute between him and Malcolm of Forbes, both of whom were
baillies that yea^r, with the result that two of their servants, who
had taken up their masters' quarrel with more heat than was
necessary, were banished the burgh, and warned " not to be

* Council Reg., V.'-, OQ-i. flbid., IV., 194.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 43

found within it in tyme to cum." We may be charitable enough
to suppose that the fault lay with Forbes, for a few years later
he absconded with moneys of William, Lord Keith, for whom he
had acted as agent.

The seal of this alderman, attached to
a charter dated 6th December, 1449, pre-
serves the earliest example we know of
the coat armorial of the Chalmers family.
It shows, couch^, a derai-lion issuing from
a fesse, in base, a fleur-de-lis ; crest in
helmet, a bird devouring its prey ; sup-
porters, two lions rampant — " S. Alexand.
de Camera."

On the north wall of Collison's Aisle there is a tablet built
into the wall, not in situ, however, with the following inscrip-
tion : — " Hie jacet prouidus et honorabilis vir Alexander de
Camera | de Murthill prepositus huius burgi de Aberdene qui |
obiit viii. die mensis Octobris anno dni., MCCCCLXIII., cuius
anime patietur deus omnino." A translation of which may be
given as — Here lies a prudent and honourable man, Alexander
Chalmers of Murthill, provost of this burgh of Aberdeen, who
died on the eighth of October, a.d. 1463, whose soul God will
wholly absolve. Menteith, in his Theater of Mortality, gives
the date of the inscription as 1413, and this has been faithfully
copied by subsequent writers who have taken notice of the
inscription, although a close examination shows that the figure
taken for x is really a combination of 1 and x, and must stand for
Ix., as there was no Alexander Chalmers in the civic chair till
1443.

The family of the Alderman, besides his heir, Alexander,
consisted of Gilbert, married to a daughter of John Ander-
son ; Mr. John, probably the same as Sir John, chaplain at S.
Ninian's altar ; Sir Andrew, also a chaplain ; and Thomas, who
was for some time one of the magistrates, and died prior to
1488.

44 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1444-45.

29. JOHN VAUS

(Council Rey., IV., 359, 415).

During this term of office, which lasted for two years, the
burgh was called on to use its influence with the Earl of Ross
for the liberation of certain Englishmen he had taken prisoners
and conveyed to the North. The King, by a letter dated at
Stirling, 20th March, 1444-5,* after informing the magistrates
that " divers prisoners Inglismen are arrestit and withhaldin in
the northe partis of oure lande agayne the natur of our trewis
be seruitours and men pertenying to our derrast cosing the Erie
of Ross," calls upon them to assist the bearer of the letter " in
lousing of the said persounes Inglismen, as yhe love the gude of
our trewis and furthering of yhoureself." A letter was accord-
ingly written and signed by the Alderman, begging^ the Earl to
obey the King's mandate, and set free the English prisoners.

Several matters of municipal importance came before the
Council for discussion during this year, and among others a
resolution was passed that in the matter of the Candlemas
pageants and the like the Abbot of Bon-Accord (known in
England as the Lord of Misrule), who superintended the arrange-
ments, should have no more fees given him ; and further, that
no abbot be elected, but that the alderman for the year, with the
assistance of one of the baillies, should discharge the duties of
the office. At the same time it was moved that an endeavour be
made to obtain the right to the office of Sheriffs within the
town, and the deliverance was : — " It is seen speidful to the
Counsale to trete giv thai may get the fredome to be schirrefis
within the toun, and to mak a cost tharapon." The applica-
tion, if it was ever made, must have proved unsuccessful, as the
privilege was not conferred on the burgh until the time of
Charles I., who conveyed the privilege in the charter of 1639.

* Council Reg., Y.\ 700, 727.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 45

Vaus' services to the burgh were evidently appreciated to
some extent by his fellow-Councillors, as is attested by a minute
dated 11th December, 1447, which narrates that " For his gude
mentis done in tyme bigane, he is allowit to assigne the half
net of the rake [fishing] set to him to ony friende he chooses
except Lordis." About the last notice of Vaus in the Council
Register* is that under date 10th July, 1447, in reference to some
difference of opinion with the baillies, the nature of which is not
recorded. The minute says — " The assise has fundyn that Johne
the Waus distrobillet the court in presence of the bailzeis and the
dome delayit as zett." Whether the " doom " was ever pronounced
is not recorded ; most probably not, for the Alderman was dead
by the 6th August, 1448. He appears to have had a large family,
the names of the sons, so far as recorded, being Richard, probably
laird of Mennie, the donor of the Grey friars place in Broad
Street ; Gilbert, Mr. Martin, William, John, and James.

1446.

36. ALEXANDER DE CAMERA

(Council Reg., IV., 422).

1447.

xxxvii. MllUam Scberar

(Council Reg., IV., 489).

There is some reason for supposing that this alderman was a
son of John Scherar, who in 1400 was one of the magistrates, and
who, along with Laurence Crag, founded or endowed the altarage
of S. Duthac. To this same altar, on 31st July, 1464, the Alder-
man, with the consent and assent of Isabella, his " most dear
wife," gave several annual rents from properties in the burgh in
augmentation of a perpetual chaplaincy for one fit chaplain at the
altar of S. Duthac, anciently founded in part by the Council and
community, besides several other grants for like purposes.t

William Scherar was proprietor of the lands of Kinellar for

* Council Reg., IV., 48.3. t Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 17.

46 Menwriah of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

some time, as there is a charter, dated 2nd July, 1465, under the
Great Seal, confirming the grant made by William Scherar, lord
of " Kynnellor," and Elizabeth [sic], his spouse, of these lands in
favour of Henry Forbes.* He had also property within the
burgh of Kintore, as appears from a charter of date 4th July,
1459.t The Alderman, by his wife, Isabella Rutherford, not
Elizabeth, as stated in the Great Seal Register, had several sons,
among whom were Mr. Duncan, better known as the Rector of
Clatt ; Andrew, and Alexander. She was alive in 1464, and
gave her consent to the sale of Kinellar.

The arms borne by Scherar, as they appear on his seal, were
three daggers, paleways, surmounted by three boars' heads,
couped.:j:

There are several references to the arrangements made regard-
ing the patronage of the altar of S. Duthac, from which it appears
that the Rector decorated the altar with a silver chalice, desk,
books, &c., and that the patronage, after the death of the
Alderman, was to be in Mr. Duncan, whom failing, his brothers
Andrew and Alexander.! Both Scherar and his wife were dead
by 15th November, 1488, when the Rector made a grant of an
annual rent of 40s. for bread and wine to be used in the daily
celebration of the Eucharist, in consideration that the chaplains
should pray for him, and celebrate the anniversaries of his father
and mother, the former on the Sunday following the 27th January,
and the latter on the Sunday following the 28th July.

The principal event during this year of office was the com-
mencement made with the defences of the burgh, which included
the building, or in some cases rebuilding, of several of the ports.
In this connection we find that in 1449 the Alderman was found
due to the community the sum of £34 of the account for
" bigging the yhett " of the Overkirkgate port. King James II.
also visited the burgh for the first time in July, 1448.

Reg. Mag., Sig. II., 178-. t Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 139.

+ Charter, 31st July, 1464. § Council Reg., V.-, 834.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 47

During 1447 one of those general taxations or stents took
place, which enable us to form some opinion as to the population
of the burgh. On this occasion the list is fully given, and it
shows 132 persons' names in the Crooked Quarter, 142 in the
Even Quarter, 80 in the Futty Quarter, and 87 in the Green
Quarter — a total of 441, giving a probable population of about
2,000 persons.

1448.

33. JOHN FYFE

(Comml Reg., V., 17).

1449-50.

XXXVIII. 5obn Scroaos, Son

(Covmil Rf.g., V., o9, 99).

A son of John Scroggs (32) by his wife Marion. He died in
the beginning of 1473, and his only daughter Marjorie, the wife
of David Kintore, burgess, was served heir to his property in the
Upperkirkgate.

1451-52.

33. JOHN FYFE

(ConnrU Rorj., V., 129, 101).

A matter of considerable importance as affecting the trade of
the burgh was successfully accomplished during this term of
Fyfe's aldermanship, in the obtaining a charter from James
abolishing, so far as the community was concerned, all custom on
salt and skins. The importance of this concession is to be
measured in the light that these two articles — one an import and
the other an export — were staple goods.

The charter narrates that the grant was made on account of
gratuitous services rendered to the King ; but, notwithstanding

* Council Reg., VI., 2G0.

48 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

this, there is a stent roll in the Council Register for the purchase
of this particular concession, which shows that the sum of
£58 13s. 4d. was collected for the purpose.

1453.
35. JOHN MARK

(Conncil Reg., V., 183).

1454.

XXXIX. Hn^rew /iDensies

(Council Reg., V., 211).

This alderman was the son and heir of Alderman Gilbert
Menzies (31), and succeeded to part of the property of Pitfoddels,
near Aberdeen, which estate was to be the designation of the
family for close on four centuries. In 1457 he had precept of
sasine from Andrew Rede of "Badfothelis " to infeft him in the
half of Middle " Badfothalis," given in exchange for the lands of
Wester " Badfothalis."

In various actions recorded in the Council Register, his name
appears as forespeaker for one of the parties, while in 1457 he
was one of the burgesses chosen to sit and administer the law.
The following year he was one of the Commissioners who repre-
sented the burgh at the Parliament held in Edinburgh. He was
married to Margaret Arbuthnot, a daughter of Hugh Arbuthnot
of that Ilk,* and had by her a family, of whom Alexander, his
heir, succeeded to the property of Pitfoddels on his death, which
took place prior to 1491.

1455.

38. JOHN SCROGGS, Son

(Council Reg., F., 244).

In January of this year (1455-56) the Queen of James II.
visited the burgh, and was received with much ceremony, while,

Nisbet, Vol. II., 83\

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 49

in addition to the usual propine of wax, sweets, &c., the Council
voted her a grant of 100 merks, and this notwithstanding the
fact that in order to raise the necessary funds the properties of
the burgh had to be let on much longer leases than had been the
practice till then.

1456-57.

33. JOHN FYFE
(Council Reg., F., 279, 309).

During this term of office a resolution was come to by the
Council to relievo the burgh court of a portion of the work
falling to be decided in it by appointment of six persons of the
Council, who should in future sit every Monday to settle all
small complaints and disputes regarding sums under £5, and
they were authorised to charge the " wranger " 12d. for every
pound in dispute. Another important innovation was the ap-
pointment of several baxters to visit the bakers' shops and
stamp the bread as of the proper weight and quality, it being-
declared illegal to sell any bread without the mark.

1458-60.

XL. IRicbar^ Ikintore

(Council Reg., V., 347, 375, 409).

Although unable to state the exact relationship to Alderman
William Kintore (30), the evidence clearly shows that Richard
belonged to the same family, if, indeed, he was not a son of
the former alderman. Some twenty years previous to this date
he served as Abbot of Bon- Accord, and on 13th May, 1440, the
Council granted him the entry fee of a burgess of guild in
payment of his expenses incurred at the play of the " Haliblude
at the Wyndmylhill."

In 1459 Canon John Clat founded S. Thomas's Hospital as
part of the equipment of the Parish Church, and his executors
8

50 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

purchased from the Alderman, as an investment, nineteen roods
of land in the burgh of Kintore.* The conveyance narrates that
the Alderman w^as a burgess of that burgh. In all probability
he was a native, as the surname is evidently territorial.

During this term of office the term " prepositus " takes the
place of " aldermanus " in Latin deeds, although in the Council
Register the term alderman is still retained.

During 1458 a project for bridging the Dee was brought
before the Council, and an agreement was come to with John
Levingston, the vicar of Inverugy, to build the bridge, the Coun-
cil to contribute the sum of £20 for ten years.t This is the
first and last mention of the scheme, which seems to have
fallen through, probably, for want of the necessary funds.

By letters dated 9th October, 1458, James II. granted power
to the Council to seize all skins, wool, &c., exported out of the
sherifidom which had not paid custom, the burgh to share equally
with the Crown in the escheat.

The Alderman was dead by May, 1482, when his relict Marion
pursued an action for 11 bolls of bere, and his son Robert was
served heir to his father shortly after the above date. Another
son was probably John Kintor, who was for several years one of
the magistrates.

1461.

39. ANDREW MENZIES
(Council Reg., F., 431).

1462-66.

40. RICHARD KINTORE
(Council Reg., V., 457, 489, 515, 563, 588).

The continued hostilities with England and other causes
induced the Council in 1462 to enter into a bond of man-rent
with the Earl of Huntly, whereby each undertook to aid the

* Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 139. t Council Reg., V.2, 808.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 51

other with counsel, and, if need be, with more substantial help.
Not many months elapsed before the town was called upon to
implement the bargain by aiding Huntly against the Earl of Ross,
who had openly espoused the English cause, and was plundering
the neighbourhood of Inverness. The reply of the Alderman
to the Earl's summons was to the effect that having called the
neighbours of the town who were " set at all thair gudely power
to pleyss his lordship, yet they had decided that they could not
come to such a hasty tryst as he had set at the Cabrach."
The chief reason given by the Alderman is thus worded — " Gude
fathe we hafe na hors na man yet nane to cum becauss of the
warnying of the cuntre of gentil men to cum to your Lordschippis
at this tryst."* Another reason given was the command of the
King not to leave the burgh as an English fleet was off the coast,
and it may be that the heavy price paid for the victory of
Harlaw was too green in the recollection of most of the
" nighbouris."

1467-69.

XLi. Blejan^er Cbalmers of /Ifturtbill

(Council Beg., V., 614 ; VI., 73, 94).

Alexander Chalmers was the eldest son of Alderman Alexander
de Camera (36), and succeeded to the estate of Murthill on his
father's death in 1463. During the period of his office the
community resolved to enlarge their parish church by adding a
choir, and in this work they were greatly aided by the Provost's
assistance and counsel. Indeed his interest was so great that on
the 18th September, 1477, he was appointed principal master of
work " of the biging of Sanct Nicholace queyr for twa yeris to
cum." It was in the prosecution of this work, and doubtless in
recognition of his services, that his arms occupy the position of
honour on one of the bosses in the roof of S. Mary's Chapel.

* Council Reg. , V. , 485.

52 Memorials of the Aldertnen, Provosts, and

Alexander Chalmers appears to have been twice married, first
to Janet Leslie, and secondly to Elizabeth Cullen, and by these
marriages he had at least two sons, Alexander, who succeeded
him, and Thomas, who is identified as the first laird of Strichen.

Provost Alexander Chalmers died in 1497.

1470.

XLii. Bn^rew Blanson

(Council Reg., VI., 121).

The surname of this provost is very often given as Allanson.
He is best remembered by his various and generous grants for
religious purposes, the first of which was made on the 28th
March, 1463, and consisted of an annual rent of twenty-six
shillings and eight pence to the Chancellor of the Cathedral —
Duncan Lychtoun — out of the Sowcroft and a croft near the
Crooked Myre.* In 1467 he acquired an annual rent of 10

merks from Thomas de Mawle,

^ L ^ >-i Lord Panmure, out of the lands

^^1^^^/ a^y.-^l\>^ ^^ ^j^^^y^ .^^ Kincardine, and

' this property he conveyed to

Laurence Duncan, vicar of Longley, by a charter dated at
Aberdeen on 6th May, 1475. f Another of his bequests was that
made to S. Nicholas Church in the founding and endowing of a
perpetual chaplaincy in connection with the altar of S. Mary
Magdalene, on which an obit and anniversary was performed on
Sunday after the Feast of S. Bartholomew. His term of ofiice
saw the last of the friar order established in Aberdeen, when the
Franciscans took possession, in 1471, of the piece of ground on
the east side of Broad Street, granted to them two years
previously. In the instrument of sasine it is narrated that
Provost Alanson, on the part of the community, renounced, in
favour of the brethren, an annuity of £26 8s., payable out of the
piece of ground to the chaplain of the altar of S. John the

* Reg. Epis. Abel., I., 286. 1 Ibid., I., 298.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 53

Baptist, " as his predecessor Alexander Chalmers in the time of
his provostship is known to have done." The Provost, along
with a William Alanson, had a safe conduct to pass through
England with the Bishop of Aberdeen, and in 14G5 he had a safe
conduct granted to him for trading with England for one year.*

An example of the seal used by this provost is preserved
among the charters at Marischal College, and shows a design
which, in all probability, was a reproduction of the mark used by
him in trade. The design is two plain crosses reversed and
joined at the points by a connecting line, the latter bisected by a
straight line at right angles to it.

Provost Alanson was dead by the early part of 1475, as his
wife Cristina Cadiou, is then referred to as spouse to the late
Andrew Alanson in an action pursued by her and Sir William
Donaldson, chaplain, as executors of the Provost. He does not
seem to have had any family who survived him, as in 1473 he
conveys the patronage of the chaplaincies founded by him to his
brother Thomas. His relict, described in the chartulary as "a
woman, prudent and of good repute," gifted a complete set of
costly vestments of blue velvet and a cope of silk for the use of
the chaplains serving at S. Magdalene's altar, and provided a
silver chalice weighing thirty -three ounces, f

1471.

40. RICHARD KINTORE
(Council Reg., VI., 160).

1472.

XLIH. Bn&rew Scberau

(Council Recj.y VI., 199).

Andrew Scherar was a son of Alderman William Scherar
(37), by his wife, Isabella Rutherford. From an assignation of

■ Calendar of Documents relating to Scotland, IV. , 272, 276.
t Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 185.

54 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

his salmon tishings in 1490 in favour of his son and heir,
William Scherar, we know that he was still alive at that date.

1473.

42. ANDREW ALANSON

(Council Reg., VI., 272).

In the municipal polity there was as yet no separate
treasurer, the provost still continuing to act in that capacity,
and hence continual disputes arose between the alderman,
baillies, and members of the Council regarding the custody
of the common seal. All tacks and documents of importance
could only be rendered valid by having the seal attached,
and, naturally, the custody of the seals was one of very great
importance. In 1474, the Provost, however, got the Council
to pass a resolution that in future the common seal and the
secret seal should be delivered up freely to the alderman for the
time, and that the ultimate keeping be at his will.

1474.

41. ALEXANDER CHALMERS of Murthill
(Council Reg., VI., 311).

1475.

XLiv. Blejan^er /IDen3ie5

(Council Beg., VI., 395).

This provost was a son of Alderman Andrew Menzies (89),
by his spouse, Margaret Arbuthnot, and on his father's death,
which took place prior to 1491, he succeeded to the estate of
Pitfoddels.

In 1495, he was sent, on behalf of the community, to
Edinburgh to obtain a licence for the burgesses to stay at home
from the King's levy or " oist," which was then being raised for

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 55

an expedition into England in support of the claims of Perkin
Warbeck, and his expenses on that occasion amounted to 5s. 6d.
sterling. Among the Marischal College charters there is one,
dated 20th January, 1482-3, in which Alexander Menzies, bur-
gess, conveys to the prior and convent of the Carmelite Friars in
Aberdeen an annuity of 6s. 8d. from his lands of the hostilage of
Colle [Cowie], lying on the west side of the town of Colle.* On
14th November, 1503, while at Edinburgh, he made a grant of
£3 out of his lands of Balmady in the barony of Grandholm,
with consent of the superior, Alexander, Earl of Buchan, for the
purpose of supplying and maintaining a lamp to burn con-
tinually before the Sacrament at the high altar in S. Nicholas
Church. The gift was made specially for the salvation and
repose of the souls of James III. and IV., with their queens, and
for those of his father and mother, and for Elizabeth Leslie, his
spouse.t This Elizabeth Leslie was a daughter of Sir William
Leslie, fourth baron of Balquhain, by his wife, Euphemia
Lindsay, and by her the Provost had a family, of whom the eldest,
Gilbert, was elected Town-Clerk in 1502. The office was pur-
chased for him by his father for the sum of forty merks, and the
salary attached to the clerkship at this time was twelve merks.

The armorial coat of the Menzies family was ermine, a chief
gules.

1476.

4.3. ANDREW SCHERAR
(Council Beg., VI., 447).

1477.

41. ALEXANDER CHALMERS of Murthill

(Council Reg., VI., 498).

Towards the close of this year of office, the Council were
informed that James III. intended to send an embassy to the

* Miscell. Spalding Club, II., xci. t Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 67.

56 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Duke of Burgundy on certain matters relating to trading privi-
leges, and, ever alive to any interest vrhich was " for the gude
of merchants," they sent the Alderman and five worthy bur-
gesses to Edinburgh to confer with the King's Council anent
the matter.*

1478.

43. ANDREW SCHERAR

(Council Reg., VI., 550).

The Alderman during this year was called upon to defend
the town's right in part of its freedom lands, for on 13th April,
1479, he was appointed Commissioner, with full power, to act
for the town anent the dispute as to the lands of Tulloch,
claimed by Andro Fresal [Fi-aser], laird of Staniewood.t This
was the first of many actions of a similar nature which the
Council were called upon to defend, notwithstanding the fact
that their title was perfectly clear and at once respected when
produced.

Within the year, also, the first reference occurs to a regular
system of keeping the streets clean, as on 13th September Sande
Coutts is promised a penny from every fire house to keep the
" causais " clean. On the same day licence was granted to Alex-
ander Trail, Thomas of Mar, and Thomas Scroggs to cast " a dok "
and a large place for their ship within the haven anywhere it
pleases them, so that they may keep their ship in safety.

Reference has already been made to the difficulty experienced
in getting the accounts of the alderman properly rendered, and
some such difficulty appears to have arisen in Scherar's case.
By a minute dated 10th September, 1479, the Council agree to
forgive him the sums resting in his hands on condition tliat he
" big the beacons of the havin in al gudely and possibil haist,"
and that he also clear the haven within year and day of the
wreck of the Spanish barge that lies beyond the water. J

• Council Reg., VI. , 544. f Ibid., VI. , 589. X Ibid. , VI. , 600.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 57

1479.

41. ALEXANDER CHALMERS of Mxjethill

(Council Be</., VI., G03).

Some difficulty seems to have taken place in connection with
this election, as it was only completed on a precept under the
Privy Seal.

1480.

44. ALEXANDER MENZIES

(Council Reg., VI., 651).

During the spring of 1481 a threatened war with England
put the burgesses into a panic lest they should have a visit from
the forces of " The Riever Edward, calling himself King of
England," as the Scottish Estates designed Edward IV. in one
of their legislative Acts. The Council therefore set about build-
ing a foss round the town, while measures were devised for the
fast locking of the haven.

1481.

XLV. 5ame9 Xeslie

(Council Recj., VI., 697).

Kennedy designates this James Leslie as of " Wardhous," but
in doing so he is evidently in error, as there was no James Leslie
of that branch of the family at this time. The probability is
that he was of the same Aberdeen family as David, whose name
appears in the list of magistrates for 1475. This branch of the
Leslies may have been descended from Sir Andrew Leslie, third
baron of Balquhain.*

The building of the choir of the Parish Church of S. Nicholas
was still being prosecuted — slowly, it is true, yet progress was
being made — by means of contributions from the citizens and by

* Fiunily of Leslie, III., 4.

58 Memorials of tite Aldermen, Provosts, cmd

certain dues levied on merchandise arriving at the port. Bishop
Thomas Spens had also granted for the same purpose the second
teinds of the bishopric, but his successor, Robert Blacater, did not
see his way to continue this grant. This action on his part was
very displeasing to the burgesses, and so by minute, dated 11th
November of this year, they declare that Robert, Elect, [of Aber-
deen] is to have no service either to himself or his factors, on
account of his unfriendly withholding of the second teind.

1482.

XLVL iRobert JSUnseile

(Council Rtg., VI., 752).

This provost belonged to a family whose municipal record is
a long and honourable one. Of the four baillics mentioned in
1392, one was William Blinseile, while in the list of common
councilmen for 1435, there appear the names of his father
Robert, and his uncle Thomas. His father also appears as one
of the magistrates in October, 1442, his uncle in 1444, his cousin
Alexander in 1451, and subsequent!}'', and his cousin William in
1479, and at various subsequent dates. The Provost himself
appears to have entered municipal life at an early age, and at
Michaelmas, 1472, he was elected for the first time to the
magistracy. In 1475, 77, and '79 this honour was repeated, and
at Michaelmas, 1482, he was elected provost, an office which he
occupied for a year, when he again became a councilman, and in
this capacity his name appears in the lists of elected councillors
for a long series of years.

In 1482 and the year following he was commissioner for the
burgh in Parliament, and was chosen to serve on the Articles,
while in 1486 he went into England in the suite of the Scottish
ambassadors.*

Like so many of his townsmen who figure in this record,

* Stodart's Scottish Arms.

Lord Provosf.'< of AbcrJccv. 59

Blinseile was a merchant trading in the export of the staple
commodities of the district, and receiving in return the merchan-
dise of the Low Countries. It is in this capacity that we find
liim as one of the customers of Andrew Halyburton, the Con-
servator of Scotch trading privileges at Campvere. The Provost's
account in the Ledger presents some interesting items, among
which may be noted that his trade mark was three stars, two
over one, and the exports sent for disposal in the Continental
market were chiefly wool and salmon. Halyburton, it appears,
was quite open to carry out little commissions for his customers
of a different character to the usual trade transactions, as is
shown by the credit allowed on one occasion for Blinseile's
exports. The following is the entry from the Ledger : —

"Item in Januar, aiiiio [14:]99, send vp to Rom to Master Wyllzem
Cuper for the exspedision of ij dispensacionis, an to Robert BIyndsellis
dochter an othir for a frend of hys, ilk ducat cost 63. 8g , som of the
xl ducatis with the chans 131i 6s. 8g. off the quhilk I send hym ham
his cowssyngis dispensacion the quhilk cost 15 ducatis som 5li. Item
for the portag of the samyn fram Rom 3s."

It is difficult to say what the nature of these dispensations
were, unless they were marriage dispensations, but the cost
appears to have been considerable.

In the year of his provostship, Blinseile granted to the altar
of the Virgin Mary within the parish church an annual rent of
two merks from the lands of Pitmuxton and one merk from a
tenement in town for the celebration of an obit for himself and
his wife on the anniversaries of their death, and for the purchase
of thirteen loaves and a quantity of good flesh for distribution
among thirteen poor persons, who were likewise to receive a
money payment of twopence each.* To the same charity he like-
wise bequeathed an annuity of 2s. from a tenement in the Green
for providing a lamp to burn during the winter before the altar.

" Antici. Abd. and Banff, III, 18-1-192.

Memorials of the Aldermmr, Provosts, and

On the 21st October, 1495, he executed a deed in favour of the
chaplain of the altar of SS. Lawrence and Ninian, whereby he
secured an annuity of 4s. to the said altar out of a tenement on
the east side of the Gallowgate.* His latest gift is dated in
1504, in which he endowed the recently-built chapel on the
Castle Hill, dedicated to S. Ninian, with his property on the
west side of the Shiprow, for reasons which are stated at full
length in the charter dated on the 2nd May of that year. From
this deed we learn that the Provost was the son of Robert
Blinseile, by his wife Elizabeth Rutherford, and that he had
married Isabella Wood, by whom he had at least one son, Ninian,
and two daughters. Of the daughters, Elizabeth was married
to Sir Alexander Cumine of Culter, while Mary, the second

daughter, married as her first husband
William UufF, and afterwards, in 1479,
Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo.f

Attached to the deed of gift to S-
Ninian's Chapel is the seal of the Pro-
vost, which shows barry of six ; on the
second bar, two holly leaves paleways
between as many mullets ; on the fourth
bar, a mullet between two martlets ; on
the fifth bar, a cross ; the sixth bar fretty.
From the fact that Ninian Blinseile is
spoken of in June, 1505, as proprietor of
certain tenements in the Gallowgate,
M'hich had previously belonged to the
Provost, it is conjectured that the latter
had died previous to that date. A board
with the arms of Blinseile hung in the Choir of S. Nicholas
Church until the beginning of the present century, but it gave
no clue as to the date of his death, the inscription below the
arms being, " Robert Blinseile, Provost of Aberdeen, 1482."

Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 208.

i Donean, Tourist, 217.

Lo)xl Provosts of Ahe/rdeev. 61

The chief municipal event during Blinseile's year of office was
the obtaining a charter from James III. granting to the com-
umnit}', in return for gratuitous services rendered to him, freedom
in time coming from all customs upon salmon caught in the
rivers Dee and Don, excepting those taken by strangers or
unfreemen.

1483.

XLVii. Sir 3obn 1Rutbertor& of /IIMov>^ an5 zravlan&

(Council Rt(j., VI., 8U4).

This provost was in all probability a son of Andrew Ruther-
ford by his spouse Margaret Menzies. His father was dead by
1467, and his mother subsequently married as her second hus-
band William of Seton, for on the 80th July, 1467, Rutherford
sets a tenement on the east side of the Gallowgate for three
years for an annual rent of 40s. to his mother and her second
husband. A second minute informs us that he was going abroad,
and consequently he appoints his dearest " eme," Henry of
Rutherford, to look after his lands and the " male [rent] of
the Waterton til his cumyn hame."*

He was home again at least by 1475, when he presented a
letter from the King, calling on the aldermen, baillies, and coun-
cil to defend and uphold his right to a half net of the Raik
fishing. Rutherford, unlike most of the others who had risen
to the office of chief magistrate, does not appear to have
been a member of the council till his election in this year as
provost.

In 1485 he received a charter under the Great Seal of the
lands of Eastoune and Tarlane in Cromar, the annual rent of
which is stated at £20.t The former property of Eastoune he
held for a short time only, as on the 23rd January, 1488-89, there
is a charter in favour of Sir Alexander Gordon of Mydmar of

* Council Reg., V., 608. i Reg. Mag., Sig. II., 340.

Memorials of the Aldermeyi, Provosts, and

these lands on a resignation by Rutherford, Tarland he con-
tinued to hold till 1495, when he sold it to Alexander Irvine of
Drum.*

During the period of his provostship and afterwards, he
represented the burgh in Parliament, and in 1513 he was one of
the Commissioners who were allowed 40 merks for their expenses,
which seems a moderate enough charge when we remember that
the Commissioners on that occasion had ten horsemen in their
train.

Rutherford gave in his adhesion to the powerful Gordon
party, and on 8th December, 1490, he granted a bond of man-
rent, obliging himself " to be bundyne
and stratlie oblis ... in the stratast
stile of obligatun til ane nobill and
myelitic lorde Alexander Lord Gordon."t
Provost Rutherford was married to a
daughter of Alexander Leslie, fifth baron
of Balquhain, by his second wife, a
daughter of Cuming of Culter, and the
issue of the marriage appears to have
been two sons and a daughter — Alex-
ander, who married Margaret Collison ;
John, and Elizabeth.

The first mention in the Council
Register of his name with the prefix
" Sir " occurs on 13th November, 1482,
and it was probably about that date that
he received the honour of knighthood.

Sir John was still living in 1527, when he resigned his tack
of the lands of Rubislaw in favour of his son Alexander, but he
was dead by the autumn of the following year, as appears by a
dispute which the two brothers had over the question of their
father's tack of the same lands.

■'• Reg. Mag., Sig. II., 476.

t Miscell. Spalding Club, IV., 186.

Lord Provosts of A berdeen. 63

On the west wall of Collison's Aisle there is a carved stone
with the inscription— gttiS ioUimW |lU(U'fuvrte A( (Tatlau tie ^U\)0^ii\\^
At ^hAn ; and formerly below this was a stone with the date 1484
and the arms of the family, viz., a fess between three martlets in
chief and three holly leaves banded in base. The stone with the
arms carved upon it which is at present below the inscription is
not that shewn in the cut on the preceding page, which is copied
from Logan's MS.*

1484.

41. ALEXANDER CHALMERS of Murtiiill

(Council Reg., VI., 878).

During the year, the Provost, along with several of the
citizens, attended the King's army at the "oist" at Berwick,
and the election at Michaelmas, 1485, was delayed in consequence
of their absence. It is difficult to know what was the occasion
for this particular levy, unless this was the army assembled for
the capture of Dunbar Castle.

1485.

47. Sir JOHN RUTHERFORD of Tarland

(Council Rerj., VI., 934).

The election, instead of taking place at Michaelmas, was not
held till the 11th October, that being the first Monday after the
return of Provost Chalmers from the " asseging " of Berwick.

1486.

44. ALEXANDER MENZIES

(Council Reg., VI., 960).

William Chalmer was received this year as Common Clerk,
and was admitted to the office by a formal presentation of the
key of the common " kist." Sometimes the office was conferred

"Chart. S. Nicholas, IL, Plate 1.

64 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

by giving sasine of a sheet of writing paper. The election made
at Michaelmas, 1486, had evidently not pleased all the burgesses,
for it is clear that a feeling was spreading among those entitled
to vote at the election that the office of provost had fallen into
the hands of a clique, who intended to hold it in rotation. On
the 30th of June the King wrote a letter to the Council on this
subject, in which he says that he has been given to understand
that in the past " ther has been gret vexacioun and tribule
amangis you throu the chesin of your officiaris," and in the free
dispensation of the Common Good. The letter proceeds to charge
all, under the highest pain, to freely choose the officers of the
burgh, and to elect only those who shall take care of the com-
mon profit and good of merchandise.*

1487.

47. Sin JOHN RUTHERFORD of Tarland

(Council Beg., VII., 33).

The election of Rutherford for another term was evidently
too much for some of the burgesses, and a protest was lodged
with the Privy Council and letters obtained at the instance of
David Menzies, calling upon parties to debate the matter within
the space of fifteen days. It was this action of Menzies which
called for another letter from James, dated 5th November, and
wliich was laid before the citizens at a meeting specially called
for that purpose on the 13th of the same month.t

From the King's letter it is evident that Menzies protested on
the ground that he, and not Sir John, was elected to the office, and
that the latter held the provostship, not by the free choice of the
community, but " be election of a feu simpill personis his kynnis-
men." A charge is also made against Rutherford that he " is a
masterfull oppressour of the liegis, ande for his oppressione thar
may nay mercheante live within the burgh." Sir John, however,

* Council Reg., VII., 26. I Ibid., VII., 34.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 65

had the King's ear in this pretty quarrel, and James writes the
Council that this opposition to " our louet fameliar servitour is
richt displesaud," seeing that his mind was and is that his servitor
should have the office for the good rule and common profit of the
burgh. The letter having been read, Sir John retired, and the
meeting discussed the matter, and came to the unanimous opinion
that Menzies had never power or commission from them to raise
such a question, and that the charge of oppression was wholly
unfounded.

Within his year of office Sir John had to mourn the loss of
his patron, who was murdered in his flight from the field of
Sauchieburn, 11th June, 1488.

1488.

XLViii. Davtt) /iDensies, J^ounger

(Conncil Reg., VIL, 79).

The death of James III., or the influence of the Menzies
family, or probably both, inclined the burgesses in favour of
David Menzies, and he was accordingly elected at Michaelmas of
this year. In the Council Register of this period there are no
less than five members of the Menzies family with the christian
name of David, which tends to make the identification of the
respective persons rather difficult, but it is believed that the
provost was a son of David Menzies of Pitfoddels, by his wife
Elizabeth Irving. If this supposition is correct, his sister Joneta
became tutrix to his daughter Agnes in 1469. The only item of
interest recorded during this year was the arrival of Lord Forbes
in the burgh for the purpose of enlisting the burgesses in a
crusade against the murderers of the late king and the party
who held the young prince in their power. That the sympathies
of the burgesses might be fully worked upon, we are told that
Lord Forbes carried the bloody shirt of James III. through the
streets on the point of his lance. Beyond taking their oaths on
10

6Q Memorials of the Aldevnien, Provosts, and

certain " artikilis and opinionis," regarding the necessity of
something being done towards having the king's murder avenged,
and that the " laws and justice " be ministered equally according
to " the pleasance of Gode," the community do not appear to have
further committed themselves.

1489-90.

47. Sir JOHN RUTHERFORD of Tarland

(Council Reg., VII., 141, 201).

On the 30th January, 1490-1, Baillie Andrew Cullen asked
openly in the Burgh Court if any person had reason to show or
declare that Sir John Rutherford, alderman, or his brother
Richard injured John Waus in his fishings, " nor did nay molesta-
tion trubull nor greyf to nay induellar of the said burghe vyer
wais thane law and reson will."* It is needless to say no person
appeared to make a complaint.

1491.

XLix. 5obn CuUen

(Council jReg., VII., 267).

From the Chronicle of Walter Cullen,t we learn that this
provost was the eldest son of Robert Cullen, who at one time
held the office of baillie. He had a brother named Andrew, and

was served heir to his father on the
8th April, 1499. The surname is
one which is frequently met with
in local records at this date, and in
this very year two of the four
magistrates were members of this family — Andrew Cullen, elder
and younger. A curious entry, the details of which we would
like to have known, appears in the Register a few days before

* Council Reg., VII., 240. t Miscell. Spalding Club, II., 31.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen.

the election, to the effect that " John of Culane or he be entered
in the office of aldermanship to amende the offence done be him
to the men of Danskin." Had the provost-elect driven too hard
a bargain with the Low Country merchants, or treated them in a
way which reflected on the hospitality of Bon- Accord ? We can-
not say, only this is plain that the alderman was required to be a
man with a good record and worthy to uphold the position of
such a commercial city as Aberdeen was even then, and so he is
called upon to amend his fault before the honour of the burgh is
entrusted to him. The Provost was himself a merchant dealing
in the staple goods, and his name appears in Halyburton's Ledger
as one of the Conservator's customers.

For his exports of wool and salmon he receives " thir stekis
off gold," consisting of " 13| aid crounis, a ducat, three Hary
nobillis, and an angell " — a truly miscellaneous collection.

The condition of the Common Good of the burgh was at this
time in a most deplorable state, so much so that it was found
impossible to pay the usual sums to the Exchequer, and on the
17th December Sir Stevin Lockart of Cleghorn arrived in the
burgh with a summons for Provost Cullen, requiring that he
should put himself in ward in Blackness Castle, near Linlithgow,
within eight days, until the sum was paid. The balance of the
hundred pounds required appears to have been forthcoming, as
the Provost's name is on the sederunt of
meetings held shortly after the date re-
ferred to.

The Provost was married, and had at
least one son, David, his heir, and a
daughter, who married Walter Brown,
burgess.

The seal of his father, Baillie Robert
Cullen, shows two boars' heads erased,
over a cinquefoil, and are cut on one of
the bosses of S. Mary's Chapel.

In Laing's Seals, John CuUan of Knavane (1517) is described

4^lttfW»*^

68 Memorials of the Alderraen, Provosts, and

as bearing — on a bend between two boars' heads, couped, a
cinquefoil inter two buckles, tongues erect.

1492.

47. Sir JOHN RUTHERFORD of Tarland
(Council Refj., VII., 346).

At the Michaelmas election Rutherford was chosen provost,
but a minute of date 11th December informs us that he then
resigned his office into the hands of Archibald, Earl of Angus,
Chancellor, and that Alexander Reid was thereafter elected. It
was about this date that James IV. paid his first visit to
the city, and the probability is that Rutherford was too
much a party man of the late King's faction to please Angus,
and that his retirement from office was the direct act of the
Chancellor.

1492-93.

L. Hlejan^er 1Reib of pitfo^bels

(Council Reg., VII., 368, 465).

Alexander Reid was the eldest son of Andrew Reid, laird of
Pitfoddels, and was admitted a burgess of guild on the 12th
October, 1472. The other members of Andrew Reid's family
appear to have been three sons and two daughters — John,

Robert, Henry, Ada, married to Kynnymund, and

Katherine, married to Thomas Mar.

At this date the Reids had held Pitfoddels for over a century,
the first laird being William, who obtained Wester Pitfoddels
from his cousin, Alexander de Moravia of Culbyne, and whose
grandson, Andrew, was the Provost's father.

In November, 1487, Reid, with consent of his brother Robert,
who was then his heir, executed a charter in favour of his
spouse, Mariote Cullen, granting her the lands of Wester

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 69

Pitfoddels for the whole term of her life. This charter was
confirmed under the Great Seal on 16th January, 1487-8.*

By a charter, dated 10th December, 1494, the Provost and his
spouse were jointly and severally infeft in Easter Pitfoddels,
besides which they held the town and lands of Rubislaw on tack
from the burgh.

His spouse, Mariote Cullen, having died, he married for his
second wife Margaret Crawford, and on 4th November, 1504, he
had a charter under the Great Seal confirming him and Margaret
Crawford, his spouse, in the lands of Easterton and Westerton of
Pitfoddels, with the salmon fishing on the Dee.t

Provost Reid died on the 27th February, 1506-7, and was
survived by his widow, Margaret Crawford, and a daughter,
Mariote, the only issue of his first marriage, who thus became
heiress of Pitfoddels, and, by her marriage with Thomas Menzies,
brought the estate into that family. Margaret Crawford, on 8th
June, 1508, granted an annuity of 20s. out of land in the
Castlegate for celebrating an obit for her husband at the altar of
S. Christopher the Martyr on the Sunday after the 1st of March
in each year.| An interesting memento of Provost Reid, in the
shape of his portrait, hung in the session-house of S. Nicholas
Church until the middle of the seventeenth century, but as it
seems to have troubled the consciences of some of the covenanting
leaders, it was removed. The minute in the kirk-session records
is to the efiect that on the 28th June, 1640, at a meeting of
session — Dr. William Guild, moderator — " The session, under-
standing that some capitanes and gentilmen of the regiment of
sojeris lying in this town had tein some offence at the portrat of
umquhill Alexander Reid, sometyme of Petfoddels, as smelling
somequhat of poperie, and standing above the session-hous door.
For removeing of the quhilk offence ordanes the said portrat to
be tein doun and not to be set up again."

The principal event during Reid's term of office was an

Reg. Mag. Sig., II., 358. flbid., II., 596. J Chart. S. Nicholas, II., 208, 210.

70 MeTYiorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

attempt to alienate a part of the town's heritage which had been
in possession of the burgesses since the days of the Bruce. Sir
Andrew Wood of Largo, during the reigns of James III. and IV.,
distinguished himself as Scotland's only admiral, both in defence
of Scottish trading vessels and in offensive measures against
English trade. James III., it was alleged by Wood, had given
him, in recompense for services rendered to the Crown, a grant
of the royal forest of Stocket, and of the Castlehill, within the
burgh. This claim was the occasion of many troubled meetings
of the Coancil, and on the 21st May, 1494, they commissioned the
Provost, with other four, to appear before the Lords of Council
and defend the town's heritage. In this the Commissioners were
quite successful, for they took with them Robert I.'s charter and
the Exchequer receipts for the annual feu-duty of the lands
claimed. A decreet of the Lords was issued under the Great
Seal on the 20th June, allowing the community to " broik and
joiss the said burgh of Aberdene with the pertinentis as thai
brokit of before." This decree was subsequently confirmed by
James IV. by Letters under the Great Seal, 20th June, 1494.*

1494.

48. DAVID MENZIES, Younger

(Council Rtg., VII., 567).

1495.

41. ALEXANDER CHALMERS of Murthill

(Council Beg., VII., 664).

On the 11th December of this year James IV. granted Letters
under the Great Seal confirming the privilege of the burgh
receiving one-half of the escheat of wool and skins passing out
of the sheriffdom without paying the great custom. The original

* Council Reg., VII., 523, 534.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 71

grant was made by James II. in 1458. On the same day the
King, by a charter dated at Arbroath, constituted the town of
Torry a free burgh of barony.

1496-1500.
47. Sir JOHN RUTHERFORD of Tarland
(Council Reg., VII., 755, 830, 902, 987, 1,070).

James in this year received the impostor Perkin Warbeck at
Court, and undertook an expedition into England on his behalf,
actions which seem to have greatly disturbed His Majesty's
subjects in the northern parts of the kingdom. The reprisals by
England took the form of a naval display, with orders to harass
the coast towns. The possibility of a landing of our " aid
inemeis of Ingland " had so impressed the minds of the Council
that extraordinary precautions were taken for offering resistance
should such actually occur.

The first measure taken was to hold a wapinschaw at the
Cunninghavhill, at which all freemen of the burgh were ordered
to attend, " welbodin and abilzeit for weir," with a spear or bow and
" ane targe," under a penalty. A foss and wall were also directed
to be built between the south haven (the Dee) and the north
haven (the Don), together with a blockhouse of great strength at
the Sandness, while every burgess was to bring into the burgh
as many out-dwellers as he could possibly keep. Preparations
were also made for having the fishers' boats always afloat, so
that the people at Torry might be conveyed over to the burgh on
the approach of danger. The burgesses, while allowed to go
about their ordinary occupations, were to have their " targis and
ale ther geir ready " whenever they should receive warning by
the ringing of the common bell. The plan of defence arranged
was that the burgesses were to keep under cover until the
English had landed, unless it should seem expedient to the
provost to do otherwise, and if the enemy should land to the
north of the haven they were to be prepared to march for the

72 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

safety of the Cathedral Church, my lord of Aberdeen's palace,
and the Canons' families and habitations.* Happily, however,
these elaborate preparations were never tested, for James IV.
had the good sense to see the folly of the task he had under-
taken, and soon afterwards concluded a peace with England, and
banished Warbeck from Scotland.

No sooner had one enemy been got rid of than another beset
the poor burgesses in the shape of a visitation of the pestilence
or plague, which broke out in the summer of 1498, and became
so prevalent over the country in 1501 that Sir John, before
setting out in that year to bring home lead for S. Nicholas
Church from Berwick, thought it prudent to put his affairs in
order, so " that his wyf and barnis be nocht skathit in tyme to
cum."

Among other items of interest during Rutherford's live years
of office, was the handing in of his accounts in July, 1498, some
two months before the usual time, with a declaration that the
Common Good was done, and a request that the Council might
provide the necessary monies for themselves. This action was
the result of a minute adopted at his election which provided
that no super-expenditure was to be made nor the town drawn
into debt, otherwise the alderman to answer for the same him-
self.t Sir John, it appears, ultimately provided the necessary
funds himself, but, on demitting office in 1501, the auditors
refused to give a deliverance on his intromissions.

On the 22nd August, 1498, it was decided by the commis-
sioners of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth, Dundee, and Haddington
that a deputation of two burgess merchants of fashion, along
with a cleric, should be sent to the Archduke of Austria
regarding certain letters of marque issued by him, and also, if
necessary, to get better terms for the import of staple goods.
The burgesses of fashion chosen were the provosts of Edinburgh
and Aberdeen, Sir Thomas Tod and Sir John Rutherford.

* Council Reg., VII. , 820. t Ibid. , VII., 755.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 73

1501-3.

44. ALEXANDER MENZIES
(Council Re(j., VIII., 9, 157, 261).

A case of slander against the Alderman was submitted to a
special jury on the 28th April, 1503, when Robert Walcar, in the
Gallowgate, was convicted of mis-personing Menzies by saying
that there was never luck in his time, that he found the boll of
meal at 4s., and he will leave it at 20s., with many other
injurious and " perturbious lanage." The sentence of the Court,
delivered on the 8th May following, was to the effect that
Walcar should come into open Court forthwith, sit down on his
knees and bespeak Menzies' forgiveness, after which he was to
be banished the burgh during the will of the Alderman.*

1504.

LI. 5obn Xeslie of MacMs

(Council Reg., VIII, 376).

John Leslie, second baron of Wardis, was the son of
Alexander Leslie by his spouse Isabella Lauder, and was born
in 1460. He succeeded to the estate on his father's death in
1500. Alexander Leslie was admitted a burgess of the burgh in
1477, and the Alderman was only admitted in 1501, and does not
appear to have held any office in the Council till his election as
chief magistrate.

By resignation of his brother Walter he received on 14th
February, 1 500-1, t the lands of Balcomie in Fife, which had
been his mother's marriage portion, and these lands he held up
till 1512, when he exchanged them for others in the Garioch
near his other property. t In recompense for certain moneys due
to his father while acting as King's comptroller, Leslie received a
charter constituting him baillie of all the King's lands of the

• Council Reg., VIIL, 211-14. t Reg. Mag. Sig., II., 535. J Ibid., II., 765.
11

74 MeTiiorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

regality of the Garioch. This grant was followed by another,
dated I7th June, 1508, in which he received the feu farm of the
thanage lands of Kintore, consisting of the over and nether
davach of Kintore with the mill, Creichie, Tavilty, Mekil and
Little Kynnaldy, Petmedden, and Nether Dyce, with the annual
rents and fishing on the Don.

Provost John Leslie was married no less than five times, his
first wife being Ann Stewart, a daughter of Alexander, Bishop of
Moray, and grandson of James 11. There were no children by
this marriage, but by his second alliance with Margaret, a
daughter of William, Lord Crichton of Frendraught, he had
Alexander, his successor, and a daughter, Margaret, married to
the laird of Cobairdy.

Before 1st March, 1501-2,* he had married for his third wife
Agnes or Annabella, a daughter of Patrick Gordon of Haddo, by
whom he had Andrew, progenitor of the Leslies of Bucharn and
of the Leslies of Clisson, in France ; Bessie, married to Robert
Winton, and secondly to Andrew Menzies ; Marjory, married to
James Keith of Aquhorsk ; and another daughter, married in
1520 to John Leith, a son of Leith of Edingarioch.

His fourth wife, to whom he was married before 20th
January, 1524-5,t was Annabella Chalmers, a daughter of John
Chalmers of Balbithan, by whom he had Robert, killed at the
battle of Pinkie, 10th September, 1547 ; Clara, married to
Patrick Leith of Harthill ; Isabella, married to William Troup of
Colmaleggie, and secondly to Andrew Craig of Balmellie ; Anna-
bella, married to Andrew Bremner, burgess of Aberdeen.

His fifth marriage was with Margaret Forbes,^ a daughter of
the laird of Echt, and relict of Walter Stewart of Dryland, by
whom he had William, first of Warthill, and Walter, who died
without issue.

Provost Leslie died on the 1st April, 1546, and was succeeded
in his estates by his son Alexander.

* Council Reg., VIII., 76. t Reg. Mag. Sig., III., 66. J Ibid., IH., 123.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 75

1505.

LIT. (Bflbert /lC>en3tes of jfinDon

fCojincU Beg., VIII., 499).

Gilbert Menzies, better known by his sobriquet of " Banison
Gib," was the eldest son of David Menzies, by his wife, Margaret
Fotheringham, a daughter of the laird of Powrie. He was
served heir to his father in the various properties which he held
in October, 1508. Provost Menzies, while proprietor of Findon,
did not obtain the superiority right of the lands, which were
formerly known as Auchinvyok and Arnabo, till 11th January,
1539-40, when he had a charter granted him on the resignation
of the former proprietor, John Vans of Many.

Another property held by the Provost was that of Futhes-
moir, to the extent of " twa pleuis," and a third part of the town
and lands of Futhesbeg. These lands, of
the value of £30 8s. 7d., were granted to
him by charter dated 2nd November, 1531,
at the cost of the Lord Forbes, who, in
July, 1521, had spoiled certain goods belonging to the Provost
at Gilcomston.* Menzies, besides these lands, held others in
tack, such as Gilcomston, and the larger property in the
parish of Maryculter, belonging to the Knights of S. John.
By charter, dated 15th December, 1535, he acquired an absolute
right from Sir Walter Lindsay, Lord S. John, Preceptor of
Torphichen, with the special licence and consent of the Master
of the Hospital of S. John of Jerusalem, in these lands,
consisting of Blairs, Estland, Tuliskeith, and Estir Tilboury,
together with the Mill of Maryculter. This grant was sub-
sequently confirmed by a charter under the Great Seal, dated
2nd June, 1542.t As already noticed, the Menzies family had
acquired considerable hold over the lands of Pitfoddels, upon
which they had several wadsets, and it seems to have been

* Reg. Mag. Sig., III., 237. t Ibid., III., 619.

I d^^4>^

76 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

an object with them to get the whole property into the family.

An opportunity to effect this occurred in the Provost's life-
time, and he does not appear to have been slow in availing
himself of it. Provost Alexander Reid (50), of Pitfoddels, left
an only daughter, who thus became his heiress, and it seems to
have been agreed between Menzies and Reid that Mariote, or
Marion, the daughter of the latter, should wed Thomas, the
son and heir of Gilbert, so that in them the whole property
might become united. After Reid's death, his widow, Margaret
Crawford, did her best to thwart Menzies in the carrying out of
the alleged arrangement, and considerable litigation took place in
the local courts over the custody of her step-daughter, Marion
Reid, who was at the time a minor. Menzies, however, appears
to have got his way in the dispute, for he produced the King's
letters in his favour, granting him the ward and marriage of the
young heiress, and after having his right fully acknowledged he
allowed the relict of Provost Reid to keep her step-daughter on
finding sufiicient caution.

Gilbert Menzies was married to Marjory Chalmers, a daughter
of Provost Alexander Chalmers (41), and by her he had the
following family : — Thomas, his heir, Alexander, Andrew, David,
John, Gilbert, and a daughter, married to John Dempster of
Auchterless. He died on the 27th September, 1543, and was
survived by his wife, who, according to the same authority —
" The Chronicle of Aberdeen "* — " departtit the saxt day of
Februar, the yeir of God 1553[-4] yeiris."

On the 17th November, 1505, Hector Boece, the principal of
the newly-established college in Old Aberdeen, was presented to
the altarage of S. Ninian, in the parish church. On the 27th
January following. Sir John Rutherford, who evidently held the
right of patronage, resigned his right in favour of the town, and
was rewarded with " gret thanks " and the remission of all claims
against him.f

* Miscell. Spalding Club, II., 33. t Council Reg., VIII., 520, 542.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 77

1506.

Liii. an&rew Cullen

(Council Beg., VIII. , 607).

Provost Cullen was the second son of Baillie Robert Cullen
and a brother of Provost John Cullen (49). The calling of the
Provost, like that of the majority of his fellow-burgesses of
distinction, was that of a merchant, and from Halyburton's
Ledger we learn that he carried on a pretty considerable trade
with the Low Countries. His exports were chiefly wool and
salmon, the staple articles of export at that period, and in return
he received such commodities as "gyngar, pipper, cloys, massis,
fin ssucur, saip, venykar, madir, allom, blak bonetis, a rym off
peper, fostian and gren chamlet," &c. The returns, however, on
some occasions were not quite so large as they might have been,
for the careful Conservator has taken pains to explain the low
price obtained for some of the salmon by adding in the ledger
that they were " something lopy," i.e., soft. Andrew Cullen was
married, but to whom we have
not been able to discover, and f Q 9
had at least two sons, who have /lY>W^?^«'Ti^ C^y^rtiui^nAr^
also left their mark on the page

of local history. The elder son, Walter (died 28th October, 1561),
became one of the magistrates in 1531, and by his wife, Bessie
Prat, had two sons — Robert, who fell at the battle of Pinkie,
and Walter, who was for some time Reader of the Kirk of
S. Nicholas, and author of " The Chronicle of Aberdeen." The
younger son of the Provost was called Andrew, and, from being
parson of Fetterneir, he died vicar of S. Nicholas Church on 7th
July, 1560, and was succeeded in that office by his nephew
Walter, Provost Cullen, on the authority of his grandson,
departed this life on the 27th day of January, 1542-3.

In the old Church of S. Nicholas* there was up to the

* Chart. _S. Nicholas, II., Plate 2, Fig. 3.

78 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

beginning of the present century a monument to Provost Cullen,
but it has since disappeared except the part bearing the inscrip-
tion. This stone is now built into the north wall of Collison's
Aisle, under a sculptured coat of arms, with which it has no
connection, and reads, Andreas Cvllen Prepositus Abd. The
arms carved on the monumental stone, which has disappeared,
were three holly leaves banded in base between two boars'
heads erased in chief, and a rose in base, but were not those,
however, which the Provost used on his seal in his capacity
as baillie, the device on it being not unlike that used by him
for his trade dealings.

It was during Cullen's term of office that the title of provost
came into general use in the minutes of Council.

1507-13.

52. GILBERT MENZIES or Findon

(Council Reg., VIII., 746, 1,010, 1,116; IX., 26, 135, 260).

The Act of 1469, ordaining that the officers of the burgh
should be elected for one year, " and nae langer," was now
practically a dead letter, for although a form of election was
gone through, it was not one of free choice by a majority of
the burgesses. One of the first acts of Menzies' second term of
office was the framing of a most complete code of municipal
regulations, which, on 8th October, 1507,* were sanctioned by
the Council " for the comone proffit weill and gud reull " of the
burgh. The nature of these regulations may be gathered from
the following : — " That nay merchant oppin his butht dur to sel
or buy, or do ony merchandise one ane Sunday " under pain of a ]

fine of wax to the "Holyblud licht." Foot chapmen bearing
packs were to have freedom to come and go as they pleased,
while forestallers of the markets were beset with pains and

♦CouncilRe^., VIII., 753.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 79

penalties on every side, so that the unlawful trade might be
kept down. The regulations made for the protection and
comfort of the community are, however, the more interesting,
as, for example, it is ordained that no swine should be without
a ring in their " wort," or, after the expiry of fifteen days, they
might be slain wherever found. Candlemakers were to have
caudle always ready to sell to all men, " small weikit and dry " ;
baxters to have bread sufficient, "gud and clene stuf, penny
bread and twa penny bread " ; while craftsmen's wives, litstars,
cordwainers, &c., who were in the habit of brewing ale are
ordained to have a " leid " to brew in, and another for the
purposes of their craft. Persons affected with the " strange
seiknes of nappillis " [Naples] are to be kept by themselves
" for the sawetie of the town," a cleansing staff is organised
to " cleng the toun and dicht the causaies," while " na muk "
is to lie at " ony mannis yit or dur " longer than twenty-four
hours under pain of 8s., and the "muk" to be free to every
person who shall " pless to tak or leid it away." These regula-
tions are exceedingly interesting from the light they shed on the
manners and social comforts of the burgesses four centuries
ago.

The old festivals of S. Nicholas Day and Candlemas, with
their processions of Robin Hood and Little John at the former,
and the crafts in their allegorical pageants at the latter occasion,
had apparently fallen away from the splendour of the early
representations, but during Menzies' term special Acts of Council
were passed for holding these high days in their accustomed
fulness, according to the " aid lovabile consuetud and ryt of the
burgh."

It was perhaps the resuscitating of these festivities which
was accountable for the pomp and magnificence of the reception
accorded to Margaret, Queen of James IV., on the occasion of her
visiting the burgh in May, 1511. The reception, which has been
graphically described to us by the poet Dunbar, who was an eye-
witness of the ceremony, appears to have fully sustained the

80 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

boast of the burgesses that they were not only entitled, but able,
to receive the Queen " als honorablie as ony burgh of Scotland,
except Edinburgh allanerlie." The Queen, escorted by a body of
the burgesses in their best array, was welcomed to the burgh by
the whole community, while " fair processions in caps of gold and
silk " and pageants innumerable thronged every street through
which she had to pass. A costly cup with two hundred pounds
was the propine, or gift, which the loyal burgesses presented to
their Queen from an exchequer which had to be bolstered up
with a fictitious credit so that the necessary funds might be
obtained. The recompense, if such it could be called, was the
issue of Letters under the Great Seal on I7th August following,
confirming the grants made in 1495, and extending the like
privileges to the purchase and sale of victual. Five months
later, viz., on 28th January, 1511-12, James also confirmed a
Decreet Arbitral of the Lords of Council assigning to the provost
and baillies full jurisdiction for offences committed by burgesses
and freemen, but this right of " bludewith " was a privilege
for which the community had to pay in current money of
the realm.

During the last year of office the provost and council were
busy in repairing the old defences of the town and devising new
measures of safety, as war had again been declared, and a
visitation from their old enemies of England was looked for
by the community almost as a certainty. Gunpowder, artillery,
spears, and such warlike stores were bought and laid up for
emergencies, while trenches were dug at various points, and a
regular watch was set for the twenty-four hours, every burgess
and freeman being bound to take his turn or find a substitute.
In addition to bearing the not inconsiderable expenses of pro-
viding defences for the burgh, the burgesses had to furnish
their quota of volunteers for the king's army, and at the
battle of Flodden, which proved so disastrous to the arms of
Scotland, the burgh had twenty spearmen and six horsemen
present.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 81

1514-15.

Liv. 3obn /iDau

(Council Reg., IX., 369, 494).

John Mar was one of three sons of John Mar, burgess. His
brothers, David and Alexander, also took some interest in
municii)al life, the name of the former appearing in the list of
magistrates for some years previous to this date.

Provost Mar was married to Jonete Ogston, and had issue
two sons, Alexander, his heir, and John ; and it would appear
that the Provost was dead by November, 1527, as in that month
a half-net's fishing of the Raik was let to Alexander Mar, the
" son and ayr " of vmquhile John Mar, Provost.* In 1552 his
son John, who was then one of the magistrates, was entered in
Kingshill, and a half -net of the Raik and Stell fishings in Dee.f

The municipal laws were at this time enforced with great
rigour, and many amusing cases are found recorded in the
Council Register of punishments inflicted for breaches of these
regulations. A conviction during Mar's term of office is recorded
against the common bellman for advertising the sale of oysters
at fourpence the hundred, when the exposers had purchased them
from a boat in the harbour at threepence. The punishment
inflicted on the unfortunate bellman was that he should have
his neck put in the goifs and ask pardon of the town for his
offence.

During 1513-15 the burgh was again subjected to the ravages
of the plague, and more than ordinary precautions seem to have
been taken to lessen the dreadful effects of the malady. Three
ports only were to be opened, and at each of these two worthy
burgesses were stationed for the purpose of taking note of all
persons entering the burgh, while those infected with the disease
or likely to have caught it were removed to the " Lodges "

* Council Reg. , XII. , 287. t Titles of Counteeswells.

82 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, amd

erected at the Links and Gallowhills outside the burgh. These
unfortunates were ordained to remain there for forty days after
they were healed, and to stay for a like period within their
houses thereafter before being certified or licensed to pass to
kirk or market. Attempts were often made to break or evade
these stringent measures, and in 1515 no fewer than sixteen
persons were banished from the burgh for a year and a day for
disobeying the " orders anent the plague."

The alarm which spread over Scotland on the news of
Flodden appears to have been very great, and a reflection of it
can easily be seen from the nature of the entries in the Council
Register. The artillery and weapons belonging to the burgh
were overhauled, three masters of artillery were appointed, and
watchers set, two at the bell-house beyond the water at Torry,
and two at the Castlehill. These precautions, however, do not
appear to have met the emergencies of the time, and so a
regular watch of eight men was appointed, four of whom were
stationed at S. Fittick's beyond the water, and four at the
Cunningarhi 11, "ready with materials to make a blaze to warn the
town on the approach of danger.

In addition to these alarms, quarrels had arisen within the
country, and had assumed a serious character through the death
of James IV. and the consequent Regency of Albany. One
of the most powerful of the Regent's enemies ranged on the
Angus side was Lord Home, the only man of distinction who
escaped from the fatal field of Flodden. During a visit to
Edinburgh, Home and his brother were seized by the Regent's
authority, tried, and executed, the trial being more a form than
a reality, as it was " said that the foreigners surrounding Albany
were the real agents in the affair." The truth of this appears
to be borne out by the measures taken by the Regent to support
his authority by obtaining the consent of the various burghal
communities; for on 10th January, 1515-16, the Provost was
authorised to take the common seal to the Monthe to seal the
process of forfeiture of Alexander, Lord Home.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen.

Throughout all these troubles, and at considerable cost, the
new ciioir of S. Nicholas Church was being slowly completed,
and Provost Mar, during his two years' tenure of office, had the
satisfaction of seeing the ceiling of the
new building finished. On the north
inner wall of the old East Church the
following inscription ran in one line
along the margin of the ceiling : — " Ad
Laudem Divi Nicholai In Anno Pre-
positure Honorabilis viri Johannis Mar
hoc celamen factum fuit tempore Patrici
Leslie Magistri fabrice hujus ecclesie
Anno MCCCCCXV."— In honour of
S. Nicholas, in the year of the pro-
vostship of an honourable man, John
Mar, this ceiling was made, Patrick Leslie being Master of the
work of this church, Anno 1515. In addition to the inscription
there was placed above it a shield with the Provost's arms, a
chevron, between two boars' heads in chief, and a heart in base.

1516-20.

52. GILBERT MENZIES of Findon

(Council Reg., IX., 618, 752; X., 1, 119, 234).

During 1519, the Earl of Huntly, evidently in virtue of the
bond of man-rent granted by the Council to his family in 1463,
called on the burgesses to help him in the siege of the House of
Dunrobin, in Sutherlandshire. The Council were evidently
unwilling to undertake any such expedition, and the composition
paid by the community for licence to remain at home was the
loan to Huntly of three of the best pieces of artillery, with
stones, leads, and powder.

The difficulty of meeting the costs of management of the
burgh is again forcibly brought to our notice in the following
year, when Lord Erskine obtained Letters from the King against

84 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

the provost and baillies, ordering them to enter their persons in
ward within the Castle of Blackness for non-payment of the
pension of a hundred pounds, which had been assigned to him
out of the burgh's yearly payment to Exchequer.

About this time a series of disturbances took place between
the burgh and several of the landward barons, which were the
cause of no little trouble and expense to the burgesses. Shortly
before Menzies demitted office on this occasion he was authorised
by the Council to complain against John Lord Forbes, his son,
and accomplices, for their " oppression and cruel spulzie done to
the fishings and freedoms of the same." The complaint was to
be made to the King, Regent and Council, and redress obtained
at their hands. It was evidently not Menzies intention to retire
from office at Michaelmas, 1521, but on receipt of a letter from
the Privy Council, the provost, two baillies, and four officers
resigned their respective offices so that the burgesses might have
a new election. Previous to his retirement Provost Gilbert
obtained the consent of the Council to take part of the town's
artillery and a supply of powder from the chapel on the hill
(S. Ninian's, on the Castlehill) for the purpose of defending him-
self, his lands, and goods.

1521.

LV. 5obn CoUison

(Council Beij., X., 351).

This provost was the son of John Collison, burgess, by his
wife Agnes Fichet, a daughter in all probability of Provost

Mathew Fichet (34). The other
members of the family to whom
occasional reference is made are
David, Alexander, and Margaret.
Collison married Elizabeth Leslie,
only daughter of Alexander Leslie, first baron of Wardis, and the
widow of William Seton of Meldrum. The issue of this marriage

^\y^tM

vw**|^tv^

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 85

was, so far as known, a son, John, who married Margaret Seton,
and a daughter, married to a brother of the laird of Drum. On
the 12th May, 1489, he granted an annual rent of 20s. out of
his lands of the Loehtields to the Prior and Convent of the
Carmelites in Aberdeen for the purpose of celebrating a per-
petual obit in memory of his mother, Agnes Fichet, and his
brother David.* Besides the Lochfields he held several half-nets
fishing on the Dee, part of which was acquired from James
Bonar of Rossy by charter under the Great Seal, dated 7th
February, 1480-1. Provost Collison is best remembered, how-
ever, by the part he played in an attack made on the burgh by
certain of the Garioch lairds on the 2nd October, 1525.

The cause of this raid is generally said to have been occasioned
by some affront put on the Leslies by the town, whereas tliere can
be little doubt that the dispute arose in connection with that ever-
recurring question as to the right of election of the provost and
other officers of the burgh. That this was the root of the quarrel
is made perfectly clear from several entries made in the " Buk of
Statutis " about this time. The earliest of these statutes is dated
on 26th May, 1525, and is to the effect that "the haill body of
the guid toune " are resolved to uphold their right of free
election as it had been handed down to them " this mony yeires
bygane past memorie of man," notwithstanding that they have
been divers and " money tymes invadit both be lordis and
gentilmen in the contreth " seeking to have the superiority of
the town by way of election of the provost. This power, the
narrative proceeds to say, was intended to subdue the " haill "
community to these gentlemen and their houses, " fir quhair
the heid is outrune the membeirs may nocht guidley resist."
On the present occasion, however, the burgesses resolved that
no gentlemen to landward, nor any person who does not scot
lot and ward, should have any vote, nor come within the Tol-
booth to stop the free election of the burgesses entitled to vote.

*Reg. Epis. Abd., II., 301.

86 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Commission was likewise given to the provost and baillies to
keep and defend the Tolbooth during the progress of the election,
and to allow no one to pass who was not qualified to vote.
Such was the statute, and when, in accordance with the "old
lovable consuetude " of the burgh, it was submitted to the
burgesses for ratification on the last day of September we learn
that it was approved of by the whole town, " na maner of
persona small nor gryt in na degree opponand nor sayand in the
contrar except Johne Collisone elder and certain of his complices
to the number of quhilkis opponit and said that

gentill men of landuart sic as the lairdis of Drum, Wardes,
Balquhyne, and Meldrum suld have thair wottis."

The election took place on the 2nd October, and on the night
between the first and second a furious attack was made on the
burgh by Alexander Seton of Meldrum, John Leslie of Wardis,
William Leslie of Balquhain, Alexander Leslie of that ilk, with
their servants, to the number of eighty spears. The fight
appears to have been a rather serious afiair, for, although the
burgesses were able to defeat their assailants, it was at the cost
of a considerable part of their number being killed and wounded.
By a minute of Council, dated the same day as the attack,
authorising certain monies to be raised by prolonging the tacks
of the lands and fishings, it was specially provided that they
were not to be set " to nae maner of person quhilks wes art or
part of the cruell murther, slauchter, mutilatoun, and hurting of
their nychtbours " made upon them by solicitation of John
Collison, elder, and his party. The whole blame of this camisade
is rightfully attributed to Collison, as it was to his connection
and influence with Seton, his step-son, and Leslie of Wardis, his
brother-in-law, that such an attack was possible.

In the " Buk of Statutis " already referred to there is a
note in a different handwriting alongside the statute of May,
1527, which sums up the character of Provost Collison in these
words : — " Ane ambesowus proud man was this John Colesoun."
Notwithstanding the injury which he had done the town, he

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 87

appears to have regained the confidence of the burgesses to
some extent, as he was one of the Commissioners for the burgh
to the Parliament held in 1532. The exact date of his death
is not known, but it must have taken place prior to 27th Feb-
ruary, 1534-5, when his son John, in selling an annual rent
of 20s. to Sir William Coupar, chaplain, describes himself as
son and heir of the late John Collison. Provost Collison was
interred in the north aisle of S. Nicholas Church, then known as
the Aisle of the Holy Blood, but after the Reformation, from the
fact that it was the burying-place of the family, it came to be
known as Collison's Aisle. The rounded arch below the north
window has always been pointed out as the site of the Collison
tomb, and in the recess there formerly lay the stone effigies of
the Provost and his lady. The recess is presently occupied by
the effigy of Alderman Robert Davidson (22), while the effigies of
Provost Collison and Elizabeth Leslie lie on the sill of a window
in the West Church.

Arthur Johnston has written an epigram on the tomb of
Provost Collison, in which, describing a fitting statue to adorn it,
he furnishes the following inscription : —

' ' Vir saeclo, Saturne, tuo Lacedsemone civis,
Romulea Consul dignus hie urbe fuit."

" A man he was worthy of Saturn's golden age ; a citizen like
Lacedcemon's ; a consul [magistrate] worthy of the city of
Romulus."*

1522-24.

52. GILBERT MENZIES of Findon

(Council Reg., XI., 175, 353, 478).

The Provost's attention during this tenure of the chair was
occupied chiefly with endeavours to check the progress made
by the new Evangel. On the 7th of August, 1525, the King
addressed a letter to Sir John Rutherford and Thomas Menzies

Musa Latina Abd. , II. , 78.

88 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

of Pitfoddels in which he states that on information supplied by
Gavin, Bishop of Aberdeen, it is believed that sundry strangers
and others " has bukis of that heretik Luthyr," and favour his
errors and false opinions. The letter, which was accompanied
by a copy of the Act of Parliament lately passed against Luther's
books, ordains the sheriffs, already named, to publish the Act,
and to take inquisition of any who are known to have the
proscribed books. From the fact that Aberdeen was at this
time more in touch with the Continent than any other port
in Scotland is to be attributed the rapid spread of the doctrines
of Luther within the burgh.

In this same year also (1525) we have the first record of a
riding of the marches of the town's Freedom Lands, when, on
3rd May, being Holy Cross Day, the provost, along with the
community, perambulated the march of the lands granted to the
burgh by Robert I. under the charter of 1319.

1525.

LVi. Ubomas /iDensies of jpitfo^Dels

(Council Reg., XL, 626).

Provost Thomas Menzies was the eldest son of Provost
Gilbert Menzies of Findon (52) by his wife, Marjory Chalmers.
His influence for over half a century in all local matters, as well
as the active part he took in national affairs, mark him out as

a man of more than
ordinary parts. The
arrangements as to
his marriage with the
heiress of Pitfoddels have already been noticed, and when that
event took place on the 12th January, 1520-1,* the Provost
entered upon Pitfoddels as an unencumbered heritage, and one
which was to be the designation of his family for the next three

* Miscell. Spalding Club, II., 31.

r-^r^AyM.^>^ V^^^^-^

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen.

centuries. By his first wife, Marion Reid, Provost Thomas
Menzies appears to have had a large family, of whom the
following have been identified — Gilbert, born 10th June, 1522,
and admitted a burgess of Guild, 11th October, 1537; Mr.
Thomas, admitted a burgess 26th June, 1548 ; Robert, admitted
19th August, 1552 ; Alexander, witnesses a charter in favour of
Alexander Fraser of Philorth, 14th January, 1552-3 ; William,
the fifth son, born 7th February, 1532-3; Katherine, married
first to Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo, by whom she had issue, and
second to Mr. George Johnston, Dean of Guild, by whom she
had also issue, understood to have been progenitors of the
Johnstons of Middle Disblair, she died in May, 1599 ; Agnes,
married to Thomas Nicolson, baillie ; Christian, married, as his
second wife to John Leslie, eighth baron of Balquhain ; and
Violet, married to Andrew Leslie, first Goodman of Bucharn.
The " Chronicle of Aberdeen," under date 20th September, 1551,
records that, after a wedded life of twenty-nine years, " Marione
Reid, spouse to Thomas Menzies,
prouest of Aberdeen, departitt"
this life. From the same source
we learn that Menzies took for
his second wife Elizabeth Forbes,
by whom he was survived. Pro-
vost Menzies died in December,
1576, while the following entry
records the death of his second
wife — " Elisabetht Forbes, Lady
Towe, and spouse to Thomas
Menzies of Pitfoddellis, and prou-
est of Aberdeen, departtit the
xxij. day Januar,1584-[85]yeris."
Built into the west wall of Colli-
son's Aisle there is a well-pre-
served stone, consisting of two panels, the first under a knight's
helmet, containing a shield bearing the Menzies arms — ermine, a
13

/||;pERA IN DEg^^psEmClErj

90 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

chief (gules), flanked by the initials T. M. The second panel has
the initials M. R., and on a shield the Menzies' arms impaled
with those of the Reids of Pitfoddels, viz., quarterly first and
fourth [Reid], a chevron between two mullets in chief, and a
cross crosslet fitche in base ; second and third [Stewart], a fess
cheeky.

The latter shield is surmounted by a dove for a crest, with
the motto, Nihil Amante Dvrvm — Nothing is hard for one
who loves. On the upper ledge of the stone there is cut the
following — M.R.S., IVS, DEO, and on the ledge forming the base,
Spera in Deo et Ipse Faciet — Trust in God and he will
perform. This stone was evidently part of some tomb erected
within the church, most probably, from the arms upon it, on the
occasion of Marion Reid's death in 1551.

Provost Menzies, previous to his marriage with Marion Reid,
had a charter, dated 1st May, 1517,'" granting him the lands
of Middletown of Pitfoddels, along with the Easterton and
Westerton and the fishing on the water of Dee, on the joint
resignation of his father, Gilbert, and his affianced wife, Marion
Reid, with consent of John Mar, her curator. This charter also
constituted and erected the lands into one free barony, with the
Middletown as the principal messuage, and the destination of the
lands was to be in favour of the issue of the forthcoming
marriage, whom failing to the heirs of Thomas. The grant of
erection into a free barony was renewed and confirmed by a
second charter under the Great Seal, dated 5th November, 1543.t
Menzies was on several occasions chosen to represent the burgh
in Parliament, and among other offices which he held we find
him, in 1543, and for several years afterwards, holding the post
of Comptroller of the Royal Household, while in 1538 he acted
as Mareschal Depute of Scotland.

His election as provost, which took place immediately after
the raid of the Garioch lairds, called forth his administrative

* Reg. Mag., Sig. III., 33. flbid., III., 658.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 91

powers at once, and we find him accordingly devising measures
for ensuring that the burgesses should not be again taken
unawares. A Head Court was held four days after the election,
when warrant was given to the Master of the Kirkwork to hand
over all the " stanis, tymmer, and lyme " under his charge, so
that the ports, vennals, and back dikes might be built up and
repaired. A watch was likewise placed in the steeples of the
church and Tolbooth, with instructions to ring the bell whenever
they saw any persons riding towards the town, while additional
" gunnars " were hired, and a general order issued for all young
and able men to furnish themselves with culverins, hand-bows,
spears, and other weapons of defence. These precautions show
how a second visitation like that of the 2nd October was dreaded
on the part of the citizens.

In April of 1526 the burgh had a visit for the first time from
James V., and, according to ancient custom, he received a propine
of wine, wax, &c., while other members of the Court also
received gifts of wine, for although money was excessively
scarce, the provost and Council were resolved that " the guyd
nayme and honour of this guyd toune, wone be ther noble
progenitors, decad nocht in thair tyme."

1526-32.

52. GILBERT MENZIES of Findon

(Council Refj., XII., 43, d:c.).

Some months previous to taking office for his fifth term,
Walter Cullen records that the provost's house was the scene of
a tragedy, when on the 30th January, 1525-6, Alexander Seton
of Meldrum was slain by John, Master of Forbes. The house
which witnessed the bloody deed took fire and became a complete
wreck on the 24th August, 1529, and in its place there was
erected one of the first private residences in the burgh built
of stone. This house, long known as Pitfoddels' Lodgings,
occupied the site where the Union Bank now stands in Castle

92 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Street, and was taken down in 1766 when the present building
was erected. Gilbert's son, Thomas, who had succeeded to this
building after his father's death, was told to his face in 1545
that he " was not feared, no, not for all his power or his stane
house," which plainly shows that at this period the house must
have held a unique position among the buildings of its day.
About 1526 an arrangement was entered into with Lord Forbes
whereby the town became bound to give his lordship a tun of
wine yearly, in return for which he promised protection to the
town's fishings upon Dee and Don. The Council, however, were
not long in discovering that, instead of protecting the salmon
fishings during the close season, " they who should be keepers
are principal destroyers and fishers of the waters in undue time,"
and they resolved in consequence to discontinue the present of
wine. This action called forth a protest from Lord Forbes, and
on the 20th May, 1530, a letter was despatched to him in name
of the provost and Council to the effect that the town was still
willing to implement the bargain on their part if he was sincere
in wishing to fulfil his share in the contract. The agreement so
far appears to have been verbal, but the provost writes for his
lordship's bond under his seal and subscription to cause the black
fish to be kept in undue time, and punish the slayers, and, in
return, he shall have their bond and his wine as before. To a
further claim made by Lord Forbes to a half-net's fishing, the
Council were not so pliant, for they wrote as follows : — " My lord,
in good faith we know not that ever your lordship had any title
or right thereto, and as for us, we are o'er small men to hold
anything from your lordship ye have right to. And for us, we
will never give you anything for any title or right your lordship
has to any waters among us, and where you desire us to be kind
to your lordship, as ye have been to us in time bygone, we thank
you of kindness bygone, and pray your lordship to persevere in
time coming." This answer was not to Forbes's liking, and so,
on the 30th July following, an attack was made upon the burgh
by several of his lordship's clan, prominent among whom were

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 93

Forbes of Pitsligo and Arthur Forbes of Brux. The invaders,
however, received a warm reception, for the citizens expected
them, and the day previous to the attack a meeting of the Council
was held, at which certain precautions were taken for defending
the burgh " gif it suld hapyn the Lord Forbes or his friendis to
cum to the said tovn." Coming in through the Gallowgate port,
the assailants were driven, after some severe fighting, into the
Greyfriars' Convent, where they were besieged for twenty-four
hours, after which they were allowed to depart, minus their
horses, &c. The result of this outbreak was an appeal to the
law by both parties for redress, and, on 17th August, the Provost,
his four sons, and nineteen of the inhabitants were tried at
Linlithgow before Robert Barton of Overbarton, Justiciar, on a
charge of forethought felony on Alexander Forbes, the son and
heir of the laird of Brux.

The counts of the indictment were to the effect that the
persons charged convocated the King's lieges to the number of
500, and drove him to the Greyfriars' Place on Sunday, the
penult day of July, when he happened to be in town with only
five persons, and besieging him for twenty-four hours. Also, for
being art and part in the cruel slaying of his servant, demem-
bration and mutilation of his finger, of cutting William Forbes'
arm and two fingers, and robbery of horses. The verdict of
the jury was an acquittal of Menzies and his fellow-burgesses ;
and the Forbeses, worsted on both occasions, soon found it to
their advantage to again renew the friendly dealings with the
burgesses which had previously existed.*

During Menzies' term of office he had the pleasure of convey-
ing the thanks of the burgh to Bishop Gavin Dunbar for the
great pleasure and profit done to the community by building the
Bridge of Dee, and their further thanks for his gi-eat ofier and
promises for upholding the bridge after its completion, notwith-
standing the fact that the bridge had been wholly "founded,

* Council Reg., XII., 817, 875.

94 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

biggit, and ended on his lordship's great, high, and exorbitant
expences."

The office of provost was fast becoming a monopoly, in which
the various memb(!rs of the Menzies family appear to have under-
taken the management of the burgh as a right pertaining to the
family. On the 2nd October, 1531, at the Head Court of the
citizens. Provost Gilbert appeared and required the town to
admit and obey his son Thomas in all actions concerning the
provostship and " weel " of the town during his absence, which was
agreed to, although Thomas was not even one of the four baillies
that year.*

1533-34.

56. THOMAS MENZIES of Pitfoddels

(Council Reg., XIV., 269, 447).

A curious case of slander and mispersoning the baillies and
officials is recorded about this time, in which the defaulter was
one John Singour, who was ordered to come on Sunday and pass
openly before the Passion so far as it goes " sarklane," bare-
headed and barefooted, with the getward staff and knife in the
one hand, and a wax candle of four pounds' weight in the other,
and thereafter ask forgiveness of the baillies and deliver the
staff and knife to be hung up in the Tolbooth in a chain of iron
in perpetual remembrance of his fault.

1535.

53. ANDREW CULLEN

(Council Reg., XV., 5).

The principal event during Cullen's year of office was the
sending of the Tolbooth clock to Flanders to get repaired — a
small matter truly, but yet one of pressing importance to the
burgh when watches were not so common as now. The Council,

* Council Reg., XIIL, 223.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 95

some time before this, had agreed with William Wallace to " row,
set, guide, and keep " the clock for a yearly salary of four merks,
to be raised from the rent of the booths under the Tolbooth ; and
when the clock went wrong he undertook to make her as
sufficient as any man in Scotland, the Council agreeing to pay
20s. when "she is mended and strikes as she should do."
Wallace had not, evidently, fulfilled his boast, or the clock was
too far gone to be repaired, for, in sending her to Flanders,
instructions were given that if she would not repair, a new
clock was to be obtained on the town's charges.*

1536.

52. GILBERT MENZIES of Findon

(Council Rerj., XV., 215).

This was the last year in which Gilbert Menzies held the
office of provost, he having occupied the chair for a quarter of a
century between 1505 and this date.

The only items of interest during this year was the granting
of a charter of incorporation to the now extinct society of
" harbors," and the passing of regulations to prevent the spread
of the plague.

1537-44.

56. THOMAS MENZIES of Pitfoddels
(Council Reg., XV., 412, it-c.J.

About the date of his election Menzies had to provide
entertainment for James V., who visited the burgh on his way
home from S. Duthac's of Tain, where he had been on pilgrimage.
His stay was marked by the grant of the usual propine of wine,
wax, and " scorcheats."

During 1535, Baillie Henry Irvine, with some of his col-
leagues, raised summonses before the Lords to have a true compt

* Council Reg., XV., 74.

96 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

of the town's Common Good, but they appear to have been a
minority, as we find commissioners appointed to pass to the King
and his Lords of Council to explain how matters actually stood,
and to pursue the baillie and his fellow-dissentients as " con-
spirators against the town." Although not actually stated in the
Council Register, there seems to have been the likelihood of a
disturbance about Menzies' election at Michaelmas, 1537, as
appears from a very significant letter written by the King the
day before the election. In this letter, which is written from
Old Aberdeen, and dated 30th September, the King grants the
Council permission to elect such persons as are able and con-
venient by their common consent, according to use and wont,
having special regard to their ability to administer in the
various offices " by doing of justice." The principal part of the
letter is the concluding portion, in which the King writes that
" he willed them to live in liberty and freedom like burgesmen,
but [without] outhrowing of outmen or great persons," and
desiring them to keep this letter for their warrant. This
question of " outmen " interfering in the burgh's affairs was one
continual cause of trouble to the burgesses, and in 1538 this
disturbance took a new form. On the completion of the Bridge
of Dee, Bishop Dunbar had granted the Council the lands of
Ardlair towards providing for the maintenance of the bridge in
all time coming. When the tacks ran out in 1532 the Council
ordered the lands to be set again to the then tenants, but
William Leslie of Balquhain appeared at a Head Court and
made a request that the lands should be set to him, he being
ready to give as much as any other person. As an inducement
he produced the King's letters in his favour, and offered to give
a grassum of twenty pounds towards building the block-house,
but Baillie Patrick Forbes solemnly protested that the lands
should not be set or given away by way of feu while he was
seated and placed as a magistrate. Some six years later, during
Menzies' term of office, the question of letting Ardlair was again
raised, when the Council agreed to set the lands for five years to

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 97

husbandmen onlj'^, and not to gentlemen. This resokition of the
Council could not be agi-eeable to Baillie Patrick Forbes, who had
procured the King's letters re(iuiring that the lands should be set to
him — manifestly an attempt to thwart the endeavours of the town
to keep these lands from becoming a bone of contention between
opposing factions — and consequently the Provost was directed
to answer the King's letter. Provost Menzies, in his reply,
narrates that Ardlair was given for upholding the Bridge of Dee,
and that the lands " were situated between the lands of the
Forbeses and the Leslies, who of old have been at great enmity,
and they both desire to have entry to the lands, and, if any of
them gets entry to them, it will in a short time occasion them to
revenge their old displeasure, for which the town will be blamed,"
and, in consequence, the " haill " town being " conveened," declined
to set the lands to any Forbes or Leslie, or to any other
gentleman, but only to husbandmen. This letter the Provost
carried personally to Edinburgh, and the result was evidently in
favour of the wise policy pursued by the town, for in 1541, the
lands were set on a tack of ten years to Baillie John Gordon, in
consideration of his having paid the propine to the Queen's Grace
on her first visit to the burgh, besides handing over a grassum of
a hundred merks to the bridge funds. Meanwhile war had again
broken out with England, and the calls on the town appear to
have been exceptionally heavy, for, in addition to fitting out a
ship for the King's service, and manning it with the necessary
men, there was a party of no less than a hundred persons sent
south to swell the King's army gathered on the Boroughmuir.
The defeat at Solway Moss, closely followed by the death of
James V., tended greatly to unsettle everything, and compelled
the burgesses to again set about preparing measures of defence
for the safety of the town. The deep game which was to be
played around the person of the young Queen was the occasion
of a request from the Earl of Huntly in 1543, that the town
should furnish him with a company of young men to pass south
for the service of the Queen and the realm. This service was
14

98 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

evidently the removing of the Queen and her mother from the
insecure lodging of Linlithgow to a safer place of refuge at
Stirling. The town, however, had to excuse themselves for their
inability to aid his lordship, owing, as they state, to their loss by
sea in men, gear, and ships, the long war, the want of merchandise,
and the dearth and want in the country. From these causes they
seek to be excused, as they could not furnish any company
pleasant to his lordship or honourable to the town, while, more-
over, the Governor had given them his permission to stay at
home.

At the Michaelmas election of 1544, Menzies made a state-
ment to the Council explaining that, although he had borne the
office of provost for the past year, he had not fulfilled the duties
as they should have been performed, and for which he solicits
pardon. He further states that he has been murmured at heavily
by neighbours for seeking to be elected every year, and therefore
he requests that Baillie David Anderson might be chosen for
the office for the ensuing year. This course was not followed,
however, for Menzies was again re-elected, but not without a
protest from Mr. John Gordon for himself and others in respect
that there was considerable enmity and discord among the in-
habitants, and it would be more desirable on that account to
have another person as judge. Menzies promised, however, to
amend if he had in any way offended Mr. Gordon or his
friends in matters coming before him as provost. On the
16th January following (1544-5), Menzies resigned the office
of provost, and the Earl of Huntly, Lieutenant of the North,
was chosen in his place, while he was appointed his depute,
the proceedings having been carried through with the consent
of the whole town.

Huntly 's assumption of the office of provost may have occurred
in consequence of the landing at Leith of an English army, and
his desire to be in a position to control both the civil and military
powers of the burgh, in place of Menzies, who it was suspected
favoured the designs of Henry of England.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 99

IGth January, 1544-5 — 1546.

Lvii. (BcorGC, Harl of 1buntl\?

(Vovncil Red., XVIII., 338).

George, fourth Earl of Huntly, was the elder son of John,
Lord Gordon, by his wife Jean, a natural daughter of James IV.
and Margaret Drummond. Born in 1518, he succeeded to the
earldom on the death of his grandfather, Alexander, third Earl
of Huntly, on 16th January, 1523-4. His education was entrusted
to the Earl of Angus, and after his disgrace and banishment the
young earl became attached to the person of James V., with
whom he was a great favourite. Huntly on attaining his
majority was admitted a privy councillor, and created Lord High
Chancellor and Lord-Lieutenant of the North, and in 1535 the
King further showed his trust in him by nominating him Lord-
Lieutenant of the kingdom during His Majesty's visit to France.
In the politics of the day Huntly was strongly opposed to the
marriage of the young Queen with Edward VI., and did every-
thing in his power to aid the Queen-mother in obtaining a French
alliance for her daughter. He was present at the battle of
Pinkie, 10th September, 1547, where he was taken prisoner and
conveyed to Morpeth, from whence he escaped in December of the
following year. He followed the Queen-mother to France, and
with her returned home again, and seems to have held her favour
with but slight interruption, although, on the advice of her
councillor, D'Oysel, she took from him several of his posts,
especially the lucrative one of Governor of Orkney,

On the return of Mary and the ascendancy of Murray, Huntly
retired to the North, where he seems to have set about intriguing
with France for the restoration of the old faith in Scotland, and
these overtures coming to the knowledge of Murray, who had
personal motives for having revenge on Huntly, he persuaded the
Queen to take such measures as practically drove the earl into
open rebellion.

100 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

The Queen, with Murray, made a Royal progress in the North,
and the latter so managed matters that Huntly thought war
preferable to submission, and so at the declivity of Corrichie, on
the south side of the Hill of Fare, the Royal forces attacked
Huntly and his followers on the 28th October, 1562, and utterly
routed them. The earl was found dead on the field, smothered,
some say, by his armour, while others say that he was murdered
after the fight.

" Then Murray tried to tak' the auld Gordon,
An' mony ane ran wi' speid ;
But Stuart o' Inchbraik had him sticket,
An' out gush the fat lurdane's bleid."

All writers are agreed in testifying that George, the fourth
earl, was a man of pregnant parts, of which he gave ample proof
in his accomplishments as a politician and a soldier. Surprise is
often expressed that such a champion of Mary's faith should have
been treated by her so harshly, and the only satisfactory solution
is that she was at this period entirely under the control and
direction of her half-brother, between whom and Huntly there
existed the most deadly enmity. Huntly, by his marriage with
Lady Elizabeth Keith, daughter of the Earl Marischal, had a
family of nine sons and three daughters — Alexander, who died
without issue ; William, who was designed Bishoja of Aberdeen,
but died in Paris ; Sir John, who was beheaded in the Castlegate
after the battle of Corrichie, and who in a measure led his father
to take the step he did ; George, who succeeded as the fifth earl ;
James, bred for the Church, and presented to Rhynie, but went
abroad and died at Paris in 1620 ; Adam of Auchindoun ; Patrick
of Gartly, slain at Glenlivet ; Robert, killed at Corrichie ; and
Thomas, who died in Edinburgh. Of the daughters, Elizabeth
married the Earl of Athol, Margaret the Lord Forbes, and Jean,
who was married first to the Earl of Bothwell, and, after her
divorce, to Alexander, Earl of Sutherland, and subsequently on
his death to Alexander Ogilvie of Boyne.

On Huntly 's appointment to the provostship, Thomas Menzies

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 101

was retained as depute, but this arrangement does not appear
to have continued any time, as on the 18th May, 1544, writing
from Stirling, tlie earl addresses himself to the Council, men-
tioning that he had received information that many burgesses
were leaving the town with their goods, and not providing as
they ought for its safety. He also instructs the Council and
community that, during his absence, they are to obey his cousin
and servitor, Mr. John Gordon, baillie ; Henry Irvine, Alexander
Rutherford, William Rolland, and none others ; and he likewise
informs them that he has given command to his friends to rise in
their support if need be. At the Michaelmas election in 1545,
the earl made choice of a Council to suit his own views, but not
without protest from Thomas Menzies, acting for himself and his
adherents. The election of this Council appears to have been
made within the Greyfriars Convent, and here Menzies appeared
and entei'ed his protest against recognising any Council but such
as was elected by the " toun as use has been past memory of
man." This protest was productive of no good, however, but
rather the reverse, for Baillie John Gordon, one of Huntly's
firmest supporters, tauntingly told Menzies that all his " bughing
sail not make it nor yet your stane house," while to Menzies'
brother Gilbert, Gordon shouted " Weil, are ye lauchand, I sail
gar you greit."

1547-75.

56. THOMAS MENZIES of Pitfoddels
(Council Bey., XIX., 399, d-c).

This term of twenty-nine years is the longest period on record
during which the office of provost was held continuously by one
person.

During the interruption by Huntly, Menzies, as we have
mentioned, was appointed his depute, but does not appear to have
ever exercised any real power in that position. The reason was
apparently that in the matter of the politics of the day Menzies

102 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

took a different view of the situation from that taken by Huntly,
for while the latter strongly favoured an alliance with France
for the young Queen, Menzies' sympathies were more in favour
of an alliance with England.

This difference in their political leanings is fully borne out in
a communication concerning Scottish affairs presented to the Lord
Protector of England by Robert Lockhart, Scotsman, dated
London, 10th January, 1548-9, and now preserved at Hatfield
House. In this bulky memorandum, Lockhart advocates a
marriage contract between the youthful Edward and the infant
Queen of Scotland, and advises the sending of an English army
into Scotland before the arrival of the French army, so that the
Queen may be got into the King's keeping. He further recom-
mends the laird of Dun, the laird of Fyvie, the laird of Pitarrow,
and the Provost of Aberdeen as likely parties to be dealt with
for aid in the matter, and for this purpose he recounts the
relationship these persons have to other prominent Scotchmen.
On the other hand, he warns the Protector that the Governor of
Scotland, the priests, the Earl of Argyll, and the Earl of Huntly
are against the proposition, and recommends that the latter, who
was then in England, a prisoner from the field of Pinkie, should
not be suffered to go home. It would be entirely outside the
scope of these memorials to recount in any detail the many
changes which took place in the burgh during the long period
Menzies held the civic chair, yet tliere are several points of
interest which can hardly be overlooked. Prominent among
these was the obtaining, in 1551, of a licence from the Crown
to feu out the burgh lands and fishings for annual feu-duties,
with a present payment of a heavy gi-assum. This method
of managing the Common Good was entirely new, and as the
benefits were at the first almost wholly monopolised by one
section of the burgesses, the change was opposed at every step by
those who were unwilling to see the ancient patrimony of the
burgh parcelled out in this manner. Considerable litigation took
place between the opposing factions in the endeavour of the one

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 108

party to obtain a reduction of the feuing, and in that of the
Council party to prove that they were acting strictly within the
legal rights conferred hy the licence obtained from the Crown.
The matters in dispute were the subject of compromise ; and at a
meeting of parties on 2nd January, 155G-7, it was agreed that all
those who had previously held any lands or fishings on tack
should continue to hold them at the new feu-duties, and that
those persons to whom they had been feued should renounce
their right on receiving repayment of the grassums they had
paid. The effect of this policy on the finances was that a steady
income was now secured to the burgh treasury, while a large
portion of the debt owing by the town at this time was cancelled
by means of the grassums paid ; but against this present advan-
tage the ever-increasing value of these lands and fishings became
lost to the town for ever, and the Common Good became the
poorer in after years owing to the alienation which took place at
this time. The burden of taxation, we must remember, bore
heavily on the burgesses, and relief in any shape became welcome
to them, even though it involved the sacrifice of their common
inheritance. As a sample of these taxations we might mention
the continual drain that was made on the bui-gesses of all classes
for the defence of the kingdom, and for that of the burgh in
particular. In 1548 several heavy stents were made for such
purposes as defending the burgh against the old enemies of Eng-
land, licence to remain at home from the army assembled at
Gladsmuir, for defence of the town against evil-advised neigh-
bours of the country, and for the services of a hundred men
to protect the burgh in these " present dangerous times." Some
ten years later the taxations levied on the burgesses obliged them
to take action, and so, on receipt of a notice for a large sum
stented on the burgh for national purposes, they appointed Gilbert
Menzies, the provost's son, to go to Edinburgh to complain to the
Queen and the Lords of Secret Council " of the great exorbitant
taxations imposed on this poor town, and the inhabitants thereof,
for the past few years, and to state the indigence thereof and

104 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

poverty of the poor commons thereof, and to solicit remeid or
remittance of some " part of the taxation.

Another change of much greater moment and far-reaching im-
portance was that effected by the Reformation, by which the old
faith merged itself into the new Evangel, The change in Aber-
deen had nothing about it of a violent character, for the burgesses
were quite alive to the fact that the meeting-places of priest
and friar would suit equally well for parson and reader under the
new regime. About 1550 the Council ordered the various silver
chalices to be produced by the respective chaplains serving at the
altars, and these were afterwards taken charge of by a committee
of the Council, and ultimately sold, along with the other utensils
which were not required. The Provost, all through the crisis
does not appear to have acted very willingly, as, on one occasion,
when a meeting of Head Court was convened, he was accused
of leaving the town so as to avoid giving an expression on the
matter before the burgesses, and when the meeting resolved to
dismiss the whole singers of the Choir, the protest lodged by his
son was not received in consequence of the action he had taken.
In consequence of the change of religion, the obligation, or oath,
taken by the office-bearers in the Council on appointment seems
to have been modified, as in 1560 the oath to be taken by the
provost on his election is engrossed in the Register at that date.
The obligation was as follows : — " Be the living Lord, the eternal
God quha maid hevin and erth and all thing of nocht and maid
me to His awin image and similitud to be just and trew in all
promises according to His Godlie will, quha also serches and
knowis the hartis and thoughts of men, and hes promisit to
revenge falsat, and to reward the treuith, I do heir promise and
sueir in His presence and His holy angellis that I sail lelie and
treulie after my wit and power deuly exerce the office of Pro-
vostrie of this burgh for the space of this year next following, and
sail do equally justice both to puir and reche without feid or
favour, nor sali not spair to exerce the same justlie for luff hatred
winning tynsell nor na uther thing ma happin. Bot sail treulie

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 105

set furth and meyntene the same and libertie and privilege of this
Burgh for the common weil and profit thairof. And also sail
meyntene and furthset the fayth and religioun of Jesus Cryst at
my uther power and sail be enemy to all thaira that reaistis and
gane stands the same. Also I sail assyst concur fortify and
furthset all things ordanit and concludit to be done be the nobill
Councill of this gude toune in all thing concerning the advance-
ment of God's glory and the libertie and fredome of this Burgh
and Community thairof in equity and Justice as my wit under-
standing puissans and power will serve me to do at the will and
pleasour of God quhilk I avow and promise to observe in presence
of God and this Congregation."

1576-87.

LViii. (Bilbert /Iftensies of CowUe an& iPitfo&C>els

(Council Reg., XXIX., 4, d-c).

At the Michaelmas election in 1576 it would appear that
Thomas Menzies was no longer able physically to hold the reins
of office, and this is fully borne out by the record of his death
two months after the election. Gilbert Menzies, who was elected
at Michaelmas, 1576, was the eldest son of Thomas Menzies of
Pitfoddels (56), by his marriage with Marion Reid. The Provost
was in his fifty-fifth
year when chosen to
the highest civic office
in his native burgh, C^-

having been born ^/
on 10th June, 1522. ^^^^
Gilbert Menzies married Margaret Keith, a daughter of the laird
of Troup, by whom he had the following issue : — George, his heir,
who married his cousin, Violet Forbes, a daughter of Alexander
Forbes of Pitsligo ; John ; Alexander, who was slain by William
Forbes of Portlethen at the Loch of Loirston, on 16th May, 1580;*

* Pitcairn's Trials, VIII., 204.

r-Vtt^5W^^-v^^

106 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Robert, who had a tack of the lands of TuUoch ; and Andrew,
apparently the youngest son, who was admitted a burgess of
Guild, 20th September, 1605. The only daughter whose name
has been identified is Isobel, between whom and Alexander Keith,
son and apparent heir of James Keith of Auquhorsk, a contract
of marriage was entered into, dated 23rd October, 1575.* The
union was destined to be a short one and have a tragic ending,
for the chronicler of Aberdeen has recorded that "Alexander
Keyth of Owehorsk was slayne in Aberdene by the gudman of
Balbithan, John Chamer, and departtit the vij day of June, 1584
yeris." Gilbert, on assuming the provostship, was by no means
ignorant of the duties falling to the office, as during his father's
lifetime he had on more than one occasion acted as his depute.
As one of the magistrates, also, he had taken a very active part
in the government of the burgh for several years past, and was
thus in every way qualified for performing the duties required of
him in his new capacity. In the matter of religion the Provost
M^as not quite orthodox, for his leanings and inclinations were
undoubtedly towards the old church and the old faith. Some
indication of this is to be found in the protests he lodged on
behalf of his father and himself regarding the various steps taken
in connection with the Reformation in Aberdeen, such as the
dismissal of the singers of the Choir and the sale of the silver and
brass work of the church. His defection from the "true religion"
appears to have attracted attention in high quarters, as there is
a minute of the Privy Council, of date 17th March, 1573-4, in
which " Gilbert Menzies of Cowly is becum actit and obleist of
his awin confession and consent that at his returning to Abirdene
he sail behave himself as ane obedient member of the Kirk of
God, sail frequent the sermons and be participant of the sacra-
ments with his brother and neighbours and sal be subject to the
discipline of the ministry and session of the Kirk." In fulfilment
of this agreement he granted security to the extent of a thousand

Reg. of Contracts, Town House.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 107

pounds that if he failed to obey he should enter himself before
the Privy Council on fifteen days' warning. Notwithstanding
this, however, the Provost did not apparently " behave himself as
ane obedient member of the Kirk of God," for in August of the
same year he was impeached by the session before a commission
from the Regent, consisting of the Earl of Buchan, Lord Glamis,
and Mr. James Balfour. The result was that " all his excusations
were layed a syd," and he was commanded to join himself at the
forthcoming communion or suffer excommunication without
further delay. A break in the session records prevents us ascer-
taining the outcome of this quarrel, but the presumption is that
the Provost conformed, outwardly at least, to the desire of the
session.

About the year 1575 Menzics acquired the four mills of the
town in security for monies advanced by him, and they remained
in the hands of the family till redeemed in 1597 from the
Provost's grandson for the sum of 5,000 merks.

In 1579 the Provost, with several others, had to defend an
action which was brought at the instance of the Regent Morton
for disfranchising the burgh, while, in connection with the fishings
in Don, they had considerable trouble owing to a charter which
the Regent had granted to his nephew, George Auchinleck of
Balmanno, of the lands of Polgownie and Murcar, including the
salmon fishings on the Don. Morton had a great antipathy to
the burgh, and in many ways plainly showed this by harassing
the burgesses with fines and needless taxations. The injustice
of assigning their fishings on Don to his nephew was, however,
more than the burgesses could brook, and so, taking advantao-e
of the King's presence at Dunnottar in the summer of 1580, they
presented a petition narrating the facts, and asking redress. On
the 22nd June a meeting of the Privy Council was held in the
Castle, when, after production of the town's writs, they passed a
minute revoking Balmanno's grant of fishing as an encroachment
on the town's rights under the charter of Robert I.

In 1585 the burgh was threatened with a visitation of the

108 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

plague, and we get some idea of the horror with which such a
possibility was contemplated in the stringent measures passed for
avoiding such a calamity. The Council ordered a port to be
erected on the Bridge of Dee, while the town's ports were to be
shut and strictly guarded, so as to prevent the intrusion of
strangers. The burgesses were strictly prohibited from receiving
any strangers to lodge within the town, and three gibbets were
ordered to be erected — one at the Bridge of Dee, one at the Mar-
ket Cross, and the third at the harbour mouth — for the purpose
of executing summary justice on any infected persons arriving
either by sea or land, or on any indweller who should break the
town's statutes. That this was no idle threat appears evident from
what took place on the 27th May, 1585, when Margaret Nune,
spouse to William Norie, and Marion Young, relict of William
Duncan, having been convicted of " housing, harbouring, and
giving meat and drink to strangers," were adjudged to be
punished by death. This sentence, on the request of Sir
William Kar and Sir Robert Maxwell, was commuted to one
of banishment during the Council's will. During the twelve
years in which Menzies held the post of provost, there seems to
have been continual disagreements as to the mode of election,
particularly as to the value of the craftsmen's votes. These dis-
putes occupied the attention of the Council for several years,
and it was only after considerable discussion that the rights of
the craftsmen in this and other matters were agreed to by both
parties, and embodied in the Decree Arbitral or Common In-
denture, which was dated 7th July, 1587. At the election in
1585 complaint was made by the burgesses as to "the hurtfull
and preiudiciall " custom of continuing the magistrates in office
year after year, and the following year Menzies was not elected
by the usual method, for he " wes maid prowest not be the switt
row, bot be the counsall and sertane commound wottis."* This
voting by the " switt row," we are told, was the method adopted

* Miscell. Spalding Club, II., 58.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 109

for " ewery man gettin his woitt." At the Michaelmas election
of 1587, Mcnzies, who was in the running for the provostship,
was not chosen by tlic free choice of those entitled to vote, for
the majority nominated Alexander Rutherford, and he was by
the " switt rowe " elected, every man being taken bound by oath
to abide by the same. The Earl of Huntly Avas, however, pre-
sent at this election as Menzies' friend, and it is recorded that he
persuaded the Council to accept their former provost for another
year, which they did along with certain of the " comraonds." He
had barely completed this year of office when his death occurred
in his sixty-seventh year — " Gilbert Menzies of Petfodellis, and
sumtyme Provest of Aberdeen, departitt the audit day of
November, 1588 yeirs."*

1588-89.

Lix. Ubomas /iDensics of 1kirF?blU anC> H)urn

(Council Beg., XXXII., 401, 556).

As we have seen, there was evidently a desire for a change
in the provostship, and, on the retirement of Gilbert Menzies,
his brother Thomas managed to get himself elected, but the
election appears to have been carried out in a legitimate manner.
Thomas Menzies was the
second son of Thomas

Menzies of Pitfoddels (56) ^^^^S^WU^^
and Marion Reid, his ^

spouse, and was admitted a burgess of the burgh on 26th June,
1548. He married Margaret Ogilvie, eldest sister and heiress of
Alexander Ogilvie of Durn, the grandson of Sir William Ogilvie
of Stratherne, and in this way, on his brother-in-law's death
without issue, he became laird of Durn, in Banffshire. Previous
to this he was known as of Kirkhill, in Nigg, a separate estate
from the lands of Pitfoddels, but afterwards forming part of the

* Sum Notabil Things, 14.

110 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

lands of Tony. The issue of the marriage was at least two sons
and two daughters — Thomas, who succeeded to Durn ; and Paul,
who was afterwards designed of Kinmundie ; Isobel, who married
John Lowson ; and Marjoric, married to Provost Alexander
Rutherford. A curious fact which might be mentioned here
is that both brothers in turn became provosts of Aberdeen, and
that while acting in that capacity both received the honour of
knighthood.

The date of the Provost's death is uncertain, but it is probable
that it took place after 1592, and before the Michaelmas election
of 1595, as on the earlier date his son is described as apparent of
Durn, while on the latter date there is no such qualification. It
is believed he was buried in the Durn aisle in the parish church
of Fordyce, where a tombstone at one time marked the place,
but the monument has now disappeared.

On the death of his brother Gilbert, in November, 1588, the
Provost entered into a curious controversy with a part of the |

Council as to the office of the Town Clerkship, which he claimed |

and was allowed to have by the majority of the members.
Menzies' father and gTandfather had both held the office for their
respective lives, appointing deputies to carry on the work, and
although Thomas was not heir to his brother, yet, being in the
position of provost when the office fell vacant, he claimed it as a
right pertaining to himself as a member of the family and as
present provost. While the majority of the Council allowed the
Provost's claim, there was an influential minority who strongly
opposed it for the following reasons : — 1. That the gift was in
their hands as a committee for promoting the Common Good.
2. That the Provost's supplication, desiring the life-rent of the
office, was expressly contrary to the Acts of Parliament. 3. That
the office of clerkship and provostrie were noways compatible in
one person, for one man cannot be judge and bear record of his
own acts by himself or his substitute. 4. The meeting at which
the grant was made was illegal for various reasons stated. To
these objections the Provost replied that the objectors had nothing

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. Ill

to do with the clerkship, as it was outside their commission, and
that it was the laudable custom of this town and all other burghs
to gift the office ad vitam. As regards the question of plurality,
he reminds the objectors that the Clerk of Register in the princi-
pal Justice Court was both clerk and judge, and that the sherifts
of heritage were both sheriffs and clerks. The outcome of the
dispute was that the Provost was allowed to name his depute for
one year, and the matter does not appear to have again come up
for discussion.

The Menzies at this period appear to have nearly all adhered
to the old faith, and it was this bond of communion doubtless
which induced the Provost, along with his brother Gilbert, to
execute on 1st June, 1588, a bond of man-rent in favour of the
Earl of Huntly, " for our selffis, and takand the burding upon us
for our sonis, kin, and freindis." *

One of the principal events which took place during Menzies'
provostship was the fitting out of a ship of war by the town as
part of the convoy which went to escort King James and his
future queen, Anne of Denmark, to Leith. The vessel according
to one account, was named the " Nicholas," and it appears she
was admirablj' fitted out for the occasion. Of artillery she
carried three iron cast pieces borrowed from the owners of the
" James," and three cast pieces from the owners of the " Andrew,"
besides the town's falcon, while the stores were ample for her
crew of twenty men. The vessel was gaily bedecked with flags
and streamers of " tafiety," and, under the command of Baillie
John CoUisou, with David Endeaucht as his sailing master, she
set sail on the 16th April, 1590, direct for Denmark. The
expenses must have been considerable, for, besides the furnishings
and stores, the commander carried £320 in his pocket from the
common purse to defray incidental charges by the way.

With the re-election of Menzies in 1589 the ofiice of provost
had been held by members of this family, without a break, for

*MiBcelL Spalding Club, IV., 240.

112 Memiorio.U of the Aldervten, Provods, and

fifty-four years, while from the commencement of the century,
the office had been held for only six years by parties other than
members of the Pitfoddels family.

Surprise can hardly be expressed that the burgesses, or at
least a section of them, felt that some action was necessary to
put an end to this state of things, and accordingly a complaint
was made to the Privy Council in September, 1590, in which
certain grave charges were formulated against the " race of
Menzeissis." * The principal pursuer in this action was John
Cheyne, a member of the Council, who had all along insisted that
the craftsmen or members of the various incorporated trades had
not only a right to vote at the election of the Council, but were
entitled also to be elected as members. The action resulted in
the defenders being assoilzied from the conclusions of the
summons raised against them, and Cheyne for a time lost his
seat at the Council.

1590.

LX. Bleranbcr CiUlen

(Council lie.g., XXXIII., 791).

Provost Cullen was a member of the old burgess family of

that name, several members of whom had already held the office

of provost. He married, about 1560, Elspet or Elizabeth Lumsden,

a daughter, in all probability, of Mr. Robert Lumsden of Clova,

. one of the magistrates, who

H^^ ^5^ C •'V^^ '^'^"^ ^^^^ '^"''®' ^^''^- "^^'^

\\^ ^L/ y^^^^""^^^ issue of this marriage was

^'"^ Isobel, baptised by Adam

Heriot, 7th December, 1568 ; Andrew, baptised 24th September,
1565, and married to Margaret Skene, a daughter of James Skene
of Bandodell ; Robert, baptised 28rd March, 1568-9 ; Alexander,
baptised Slst July, 1570, and afterwards one of the magistrates,

* Appendix I.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 113

married to Isobell Menzies ; Patrick, baptised 23rd October, 1572;
Gilbert, admitted a burgess on 24tli September, 1591, and whose
contract of marriage with Christiane Paip, a daughter of Mr.
Robert Paip, advocate, is dated 2nd Sejjtember, 1598, and
Thomas, the youngest son, baptised 7th September, 1581, at one
time Dean of Guild, and who married Christian, a daughter of
George Rickart, their contract of marriage being dated 30tli
December, 1609. Elspet Lumsden, the Provost's first spouse,
died in January, 1598-9, and on the 23rd of that month she was
buried in S. Nicholas Church. Provost Cullen married for his
second wife Elizabeth Gray, a daughter of the then deceased
Baillie Gilbert Gray, the contract of marriage being dated 9th
October, 1599. There were no children by this marriage, and his
second wife having survived the Provost, she married before 27th
April, 1614, Thomas Gordon of Grandholm. Provost Alexander
Cullen died in October, 1610, and on the 31st of that month he
was interred in the church " fre be reasoun of his foundatioun."
The foundation mentioned relates to a deed of gift, dated 20th
August, 1584, in which he mortified for the "restoration of the
Parish Church of the burgh, and especially the northern corner
of the same, in which the bodies of my predecessors are buried,"
certain annual feu-duties within the burgh of the yearly value of
seven pounds Scots money. The mortification was under the
express condition of free burial in the church for himself and his
posterity of the name of Cullen, and that the Master of Kirk
Work should " uphold luminaries in the said corner morning as
well as evening during winter perpetually in time to come, with
the privilege, also, of an honourable seat in this corner to rae and
my foresaids only." *

Shortly after Cullen's election a Head Court meeting was
called to consider his Grace's letters charging the burgesses to
pass along with the Earl Marischal for the recovery of the house
of Deir, with the result that forty men were chosen and fully

* Mortification Book.
16

114 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

equipped as the town's contingent to the expedition. The election
at Michaelmas, 1590, was somewhat later than usual owino- to the
fact that several of the Council were in Edinburgh defending the
action already referred to which had been raised by several of
their number for a reduction of the election of 1589 as having,
along with a long series of prior elections, been made without
proper authority. The Provost seems at one time to have held
the lands of Cotton, near Aberdeen, as there is a disposition of
the shadow half of these lands with the mill " upon the side of
the Don callit Gordon's Miln " in his favour by John Gordon of
Kinmundie, dated 20th January, 1578-9.

1591.

LXi. BlesanDer IRutberforD ot iRubislaw

( Council Reg., XXXIV., 3).

Alexander Rutherford was a son of Patrick Rutherford by
his spouse Marjorie Menzies, the other members of the family of
whom mention is made being David, and Katherine, who was
married to James Cheyne, of Pennand, from whom she was

divorced about the end

Q I ^M^ ^^^T^^hn^^S^L^ the divorce is not
/^ I stated, but the Provost

was a party to a deed
of arrangement executed prior to the divorcement regarding the
destination of the moneys secured under the marriage contract.
Rutherford was twice married, his first wife, who, curiously
enough, had the same name as his mother, was Marjorie Menzies,
a daughter of Provost Thomas Menzies of Durn (59). By this
marriage there was the following issue : — Marjorie, baptised 14th
August, 1576, married to Patrick Forbes ; Patrick, baptised 30th
June, 1577 ; Nans, baptised 25th September, 1578 ; Elspet,
baptised 17th April, 1580, married to Robert Gnrdyne, son and
heir of Mr. Thomas Gardyne of Blairton ; Alexander, baptised

Lord Provosts of Aberdeev. 115

23i'd July, 1581, a writer of .several poems, died 20th November,
1662, aged 81 years; Normand, baptised 3rd March, 1582-3;
Tliomas, baptised 2nd August, 1584'; Jenis, baptised 20th
February, 1591-2 ; and Richard, died 9th December, 1602.
Marjorie Menzies died and was interred in S. Nicholas on 6th
May, 1593. The Provost married for his second wife Jean
Liddel, a sister of Dr. Duncan Liddel, who survived him, as
appears from a contract between her and her stepson Alexander
regarding the provisions of the settlements made between her
and the Provost. Alexander Rutherford died in December, 1614,
and was buried on the 24th of that month. lie was in office at
the time of his death, and at a meeting of the old and new
Councils held thereafter it was resolved that no election should
take place till Michaelmas following, the eldest baillie being
appointed Moderator or Chancellor of the Council. Provost
Rutherford was a Commissioner to the Parliament on several
occasions, and in 1605 he was one of the four Commissioners
elected to represent the Royal Burghs to consider the proposal
for a union of the kingdoms, when it is told that he ex-
pressed himself so agreeably that the King drew a diamond
ring from off" his finger and presented it to him as a special token
of his favour. This oration, delivered before King James and
the Conmiissioners of both kingdoms, was in Latin, French, and
" Scottish," and is said to have been to his great commendation.*
Provost Rutherford was proprietor of the lands of Rubislaw
and the separate property of Northfield. On the 31st December,
1612, he granted a wadset in favour of John Forbes of Petna-
caddel, a brother of William Forbes of Tolquhon, for the sum of
three thousand merks. The bond which was over Rubislaw was
redeemable at Whitsunday, 1618. Within six months, however,
the Provost sold the lands to Thomas Forbes, son to the deceased
John Forbes, for the sum of ten thousand five hundred pounds,
and redemption of the wadset. The contract of sale is dated

* Maidment's Catal. of Scot. Writers.

116 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

22nd May, 1613. Shortly after the Provost's death his son
Alexander sold the property of Northfield on 20th June, 1616,
to James Gordon of Auchmull, a brother of Thomas Gordon of
Grandholm.*

1592.

LXii. Sir uboinas /iDensies of Durn an5 Cults,

(Council Beg., XXXIV., 516 j.

This provost was the eldest son of Thomas Menzies of Durn
(59), and his wife Margaret Ogilvie, and at the date of his
election he is described in the minute as " apparent of Durn."

Like his father he

. also married an

*rytf\h yrv*^^^ Ogilvie, his wife

being Elizabeth
Ogilvie, a daugh-
ter of the laird of
Dunlugas, by whom he had at least two children who survived
infancy, Thomas, who died in January, 1598-9, and Walter, who
succeeded. In 1592 he had a Royal Charter of the lands of
Durn, and about 1593 he acquired the lands of Cults, which, in
his latter years, was his chief designation. Early in the year
1617 the Provost was knighted in the King's private chamber
at Whitehall before several of the nobility, when James bore
testimony to the ancient and honourable family from whom the
newly-created knight had sprung. Three years later he under-
took a second journey to London for the double purpose of pre-
senting to the King in person a fine large pearl found in the
Keltie or Ebry burn, a tributary of the Ythan, and to obtain an
assay of some silver ore taken from a rich vein in Sutherland-
shire. In return for his gift, the King conferred upon him
certain lands near Dunfermline, together with the custom of
merchant goods within the burgh of Aberdeen for life, but he

'* Reg. of Contracts.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 117

never enjoyed these, as on the return journey he took suddenly
ill and died at Wooler on the Borders. It is uncertain where Sir
Thomas was buried, but it' at Wooler, no monument is now
extant to mark his grave. With the Provost is said to have died
the secret of the whereabouts of the silver mines in Sutherland-
shire, for, as the historian of the House of Sutherland remarks,
" In Sutherland there ar silver mynes which have been hitherto
neglected. There was ane essay of these mynes carried to London
the yeir of God 1620 by the deceast Sir Thomas Menzies, and
being tryed in England, they were found to be verie rich. Bot
he concealing in what pairt of Sutherland the same was found,
and dying upon the way at that tyme in his return from London
towards Scotland, the State is hitherto depry ved of the benefits
of these mynes." The election of Menzies at Michaelmas, 1592,
was not accomplished without a vigorous protest from the Crafts-
men and those who sympathised with them. The return of a
member of this family might mean that there would be no further
election for many years, and this the party of reform were
resolved to stop by force, seeing that they had been defeated in
the law courts. Signs of a rising to oppose the election were
observed by the magistrates, and they issued a proclamation
prohibiting burgesses and craftsmen from " convocating and con-
vening themselves this day, to-morrow, or any other day in arms
or otherways," without the magistrates' authority or the king's
letters. This proclamation had little efl:'ect, however, and the
disaffected members of the community began to gather on the
day of the election in the Greyfriars Kirk and in the houses of
Mr. John Cheyne and William Gray. In this serious crisis we
are told that the magistrates, " not being disposed to use vigor
or severity," appointed five of their number as a deputation to
confer with the principal of the Commons and endeavour to get
the people to obey their magistrates. In this mission they
appear to have been only partially successful, as it is recorded in
connection with the dispute that "upon Wcdensday l)erore
Michaelmas Even it came to blood before the Greyfriars Kirk."

118 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Little harm appears to have been done, and a feAV days after-
wards concord was restored, when both parties met at the
Womanhill and became reconciled, and " remitted " the blood
between them, Menzies retaining the oflBce of provost. The griev-
ance against the Menzies' family is well expressed in the
preamble of the bill of complaint lodged with the Privy Council
in 1590, which sets forth that " The ancient liberties and
priviligeis of the said burgh, especialie anent the free election of
magistratis thairof has bene thir forescoir yeiris bigane pervertit
and alsogat be the unlauchfull usurpatioun of the provestrie be
the race of Menzeissis and of all utheris cheifF ofRceis of the same
be thame, thair kin freindis and allya expres agains the loveable
constitutionis of this realme and Actis of Parliament."

1593.

LXiii. 5obn Cbepuc of jfortvie

(Coimdl IU<j., .YA'AT., 2).

From what has been already said, it must be evident that
Cheyne took an active part with the Craftsmen in their
endeavour to obtain the municipal suffrage hitherto denied them,

and his election at
this time was in
reality a triumph
for them. Provost
Cheyne, who was
an advocate originally, entered the Council as a reformer in the
matter of the abuses connected with the office of Town-Clerk.
He also acted as oversman in the dispute between the Guild and
Trades which was settled in 1587 by the Decree Arbitral or
Common Indenture which for centuries regulated the connection
between these two bodies. During his year of office he repre-
sented the burgh in Parliament, and received the thanks of the
community, voted him at a Head Court. The Council also

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 119

granted hiin an ample testimony under their privy seal of his
having dutifully, uprightly, and diligently discharged the office
of provost. Provost Cheyne was married to Jane Coutts hy
M'hom he had an only daughter, Be.sse, baptised 12th August,
157-i. The date of Provost Cheyne's death has not been
ascertained.

1594.

LXiv. 3obn ColUson of HucbUuiics

(Council Be{/., XXX VI., 2).

This provost was the son of Baillie Gilbert Collison by his wife
Janet Seton, and a great-grandson of Provost John Collison (55).
The other members of the family mentioned are three daughters
Marzeon ; Margaret, married to Walter Collison, and Isabella.
In one of the many witch trials which took place about this
time, a curious incident in the early history of the Provost was
revealed in the " dittay "
or charge made against
Janet Wischert, spouse of
John Leys. The counts
of the indictment include the following : — " Item thou beand
nurische to Issobell Collisoun, sister german to John Collisoun
Pro vest, efter thou hed fosterit the said Issobell, thou desyrit
thair mother that thou micht hef the said John Collisoun to
foster and nuriclie ; quha, knowing that the milk was neir away,
refusit to gif him the to foster. Immediatlie thairefter thou past
forth of the hous and boclit rottoun poysoun to haif poysonit the
said John, and the mother of the said John, persewing the to be
in a furie and rage, suspectet that thou wald haif murtherit him ;
and therfor Merione Forbes and Merione Gray incontinent rypit
the, and gat upon the forsaid poj-soun quhairwith thou thocht to
haif murthourit and poysonit him. Testifeit be the said John

— Jo {n^v^ <i»c/*t

120

Memorialfi of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Collesoun and Marione Forbes." The charges against the poor
woman were so very circumstantial that the Assize had no
difficulty in making up their minds, and the doom of the court was
that she should be " brint to the deid." * Provost Collison was
twice married, his first wife being Bessie Leslie, daughter of
William Leslie, fourth Baron of Wardis, by his wife Janet Innes.
Bessie Leslie died in October, 1588, and the Provost married for his
second wife Jean Hay, who survived him. The Provost's family,
so far as known, consisted of Thomas, his heir, who married Jean
Menzies, and succeeded to Auchlunies on his father's death;
Alexander; Paul; Gilbert; John, who died in March, 1624;
Cristan, baptised 26th December, 1583 ; Margaret, baptised 19th
June, 1585 ; Kathrine, baptised 8th October, 1588 ; and Jean,

baptised 19th December, 1591. Provost
Collison died in August, 1621, and was
interred in S. Nicholas on the 21st of
that month. In an example of his
father's seal, the arras borne by the
family appear to have been a fess
between a star and two cinquefoils in
chief, and two peascods in base. On the
election of Collison to the provostship, it
appears that his residence was in Torry,
and that he had no house in the burgh.
This was considered to be a disadvantage
to one holding the position of provost, and so on the 30th
September, immediately following the election, the Council took
the matter into consideration, and resolved that he should " trans-
port himself, wyff, bairnis, and familie to this burgh, and dwell
therein during the tyme of his office, and be reasoun he lies not a
ludging off his auin within this burght, ordanit Alexander Ewjm,
Deane off Gild, to prouyd for ane ludging to him."t

Scarcely had Collison been elected when the issue of the

* Miscell. Spalding Club, I., 93.

t Council Reg., XXXVI., 3.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 121

battle of Glenlivet was made known to the burgesses, and on the
23i'd October the King in person entered the burgh on his way
northwards to punish the rebellious Huntly and his followers. On
the occasion of his short stay the King was treated liberally, and
a tax of £1,600 was stented for the support of the array, which to
the number of a thousand men was encamped near the city. The
burgesses had on many previous occasions had to suffer, and that
se\'crely, for their sympathies with the Gordon family, but they
were evidently determined at this time to propitiate the King,
and show His Majesty they had no sympathy with Huntly in his
endeavours to re-establish the old religion. A suggestion made
during Collison's term of office that the town should have four
congregations and four sessions is quoted as evidence that the
burgh was rapidly increasing in population, for it is to be borne
in mind that the population at the end of the sixteenth century
was as great, if not greater, than it was near the close of the
following century. The explanation of this state of matters is to
be found in the great depopulation which took place during the
civil war.

1595.

6-J. SiK THOMAS MENZIES or Culk

(CoiinrU Bey., XXXVI., 332).

In July of 1596 a meeting of the Convention of Burghs was
held within the town, and the matters in dispute between the
Council and Craftsmen were submitted to them for final settle-
ment. By the Decree Arbitral of the Convention it was appointed
that the Trades should have ten votes in the election of office-
bearers, while the Guild should have thirty-one, and that the
former interest should be represented by two craftsmen at the
Council Board. This solution of the difficulty which had agitated
both the Council and Craftsmen for many years was accepted by
both parties, and continued to be the practice down to the
period of the Burgh Reform Act of 1832.
17

122 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1596.

61. ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD of Rubislaw

(Comicil Ren., XXXVI. , 631).

The principal event during this year of office was the public
avowal by the Popish earls — Huntly and Errol — of the error
of their ways and their admission into the communion of the
Church. The ceremony was made the occasion of much pomp
and show, and the whole affair was carried out with great
solemnity, followed by unlicensed rejoicings. On Saturday the
25th June, 1597, a solemn fast was proclaimed, and on the
following day the principal ceremony was carried out, within the
old Church of S. Nicholas, before a large assembly of " nobillmen,
baronis, gentilmen and common pepill, sic a confluence," says an
eye-witness, " that the lyke was neiver sein in that kirk." On
the following day the rejoicings commenced, and were continued
with that heartiness and thoroughness which distinguished such
functions in the olden time. The two earls, the King's Com-
missioners, and a large company were entertained by the provost
and magistrates in the Town House, and several of the number
were on the same occasion admitted honorary burgesses of the
burgh.

1597.

Lxv. aiexant)er Cbalmers of Cults

(Council Reg., XXX VII., 2).

Alexander Chalmers was the son of Alexander Chalmers of
Cults, by his spouse, Elspet or Elizabeth Irvine, He revived the
traditions of his house by taking an active share in the manage-
ment of the burgh affairs, for, during the century prior to this

date no member of the family had
filled the civic chair. Provost Chal-
mers, besides serving the community
in several of the minor offices of the Council, also represented the
burgh in the Parliament held at Edinburgh in December, 1586.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 123

From some cause, the details of which are unknown, his estate
of Cults, in Tarland, was escheated on 8rd February, 1590-1,
and o-ifted to James Mowat, son and heir of the deceased
Margaret Moir. The escheat, however, could never have been
carried out, as the Provost appears to have exercised full control
over his lands. Provost Chalmers married Janet, or Jean,
Lumsden, a daughter of Robert Lumsden of Clova, advocate in
Aberdeen, by whom he had the following issue : — Gilbert, his
heir, married Christian Con, and who sold Cults in 1612 to the
Laird of Lesmoir ; Alexander, born in 1573, died while an infant ;
Jean, baptized 13th October, 1575; David, born in 1577, died in
infancy; Alexander, of Hazelhead, born in lo78, married for his
first wife, Beatrice Chalmers, by whom he had issue, a son and
two daughters; Norman, baptized 21st August, 1580; William,
born in 1583, became minister at Boyndie ; Robert, born in 1590,
was admitted a Burgess of Guild on 2oth August, 1616 ; Marjory,
baptized 7th March, 1581-2, married to John Ury of Pitfichie, and
became the mother of General John Ury of Pitfichie ; and Jean,
the youngest daughter, who was twice married — first to Robert
Mar, burgess, and afterwards to George Anderson, merchant.
Provost Alexander Chalmers died in 1601 ; for on the 19th
October of that year, there is on record that Alexander Chalmers,
Provost, was buried in S. Nicholas Church. His relict, Jean
Lumsden, was still alive in 1628. Among the fine oak carving
that adorned the old West Church of S. Nicholas, and which has
disappeared to a large extent within the present century, there
was an oak form or seat with the arms of the family, a demi-lion
issuing from a fess with a fleur-de-lis in base, and the following
inscription : — " Alexandri de Camera consulis ej usque familiae
multorum sseculorum prosapia honoribusque conspicuaa requiet-
orium et cathedra, 1313 " — the last resting place and chair of
Alexander Chalmers, Provost, and of his family, renowned for an
ancestry and for honours of many centuries. During Chalmers'
term of office, and prior to that date, there seems to have been an
extraordinary outbreak of zeal in the discovery and punishment

124 Memoricds of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

of witches, and in 1597 the then Dean of Guild, WilHam Dun,
received the sum of £47 3s. 4d. in recompense for his labours in
burning these unfortunates. In the same year, also, the Council
added to the manufactures of the burgh by permitting Michael
Wandail, a Fleming, to carry on his trade of weaving grograms,
worsets, and stamings, without the jurisdiction of the Weaver
Trade, on the condition that he should take an apprentice to
learn the trade.

1598.

61. ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD of Rubislaw

(Councif Beg., XXXVIII., 2).

1599.
60. ALEXANDER CULLEN

(Covnrll Reg., XXXVIII., 860).

During this year the magistrates had to defend their un-
divided right to the forest of Stocket against a claim made by
Old Aberdeen that, in virtue of a charter of King Malcolm, the
Bishop of Aberdeen's tenants of the lands of Murthill had a
right of pasturage within the Royal forest of Stocket. In April,
1600, King James again visited the burgh along with his Court,
and they were received and entertained in the best manner ; for,
besides voting the King a present of 3,000 merks, the Council
spent some 550 merks additional for wine and spiceries. Dur-
ing the following month the Queen paid her first visit to the
town, and though the reception did not attain the magnificence
with which the Scottish Queen was welcomed almost a centurj'
earlier, it took nearly two thousand pounds from the common
purse to provide the necessaries for her entertainment.

1600.

6L ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD of Rttbisi.aw

(CovnciJ Reg., XXXIX., 624).

On 5th August, 1601, the anniversary of the mysterious
Gowrie Conspiracy, the Council, in terms of the deliverance of

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 125

the Estates, observed the day as one devoted to public thanks-
giving for the preservation of the King. The order of the
Council for the day provided that all the inhabitants should
accompany the magistrates through the town singing psalms and
praising God, and thereafter to assemble beside the cross, where
wine was to be drunk and the glasses broken. A special feature
of the day's proceedings was doubtless the reading of the latin
treatise composed by Thomas Cargill, the master of the Grammar
School, congratulating His Majesty on his escape, and for which
a grateful Council allowed him the sura of £20. Rutherford had
the pleasure before demitting office to present to the Council a
charter from James ratifying and confirming the burgh's former
privileges, as also the more recently acquired Church property
consisting of the revenues of the various altarages within S.
Nicholas Church. The cost of this charter was close on 4,000
merks, and, although this was a large sum, the Council must
have had reasons, which are not now so plainly discernible, for
obtaining such a charter of confirmation as that of 1601.

1601.

60. ALEXANDER CULLEN

f Council Bt'/., XL., 183).

It was Provost Cullen who had the honour of conferring the
freedom of the burgh on Laurence Fletcher and several others of
" His Majesty's servants " on the 23rd October, 1601. Refer-
ence has been made over and over again to the possibility of
Shakespeare being one of the company who performed plays
within the burgh on this occasion, but the evidence of the
Council Register is against any such supposition. Had Shake-
speare been one of the party there is no reason for supposing
that he would not have been honoured, since his fame was by this
time well established, and the Council, moreover, conferred the
freedom of the burgh with no niggardly hand.

126 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, cmd

1602.

62. SiK THOMAS MENZIES of Cults

(Council Hey., XL., 801).

On the 80th March, 1603, word was received in the burgh of
the accession of James to the Crown of England by the death of
Elizabeth on the 24th of that month. The inhabitants were
ordered by sound of trumpet and drum to assemble immediately
within S. Nicholas Church, while preparations were made for
having the bells rung and bonfires lighted on the streets.
Directions were at the same time given for having the cross
decorated and an abundant supply of wine and spiceries provided,
so that "all godly merriness and pastime" might be used to
express joy and gladness. These demonstrations appear to have
been too much for the old bell of the church, named Nicholas, as,
shortly after this, instructions were given to send it to Campvere
to be recast.

1603.

61. ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD of Rubislaw

(CouncU Fey., XL I., :«3).

1604.

Lxvi. 2Dav)iD flDensies, Blt)er

(Council Rty., XLL, 908).

Provost Menzies was the son and heir of Gilbert Menzies,

elder, who died in October, 1571,* and was designated " elder " to

distinguish him from David,

a\ ^ Q^ ,\ Q^ c ^ the son of Robert Menzies,

— ^r^-j^t^w^-sj— /'H'Vt- ^Y^xu. ^^]^Q ^yg^g r^jgQ ^ member of

the Council for several years.

The Provost was married to
Margaret Leslie, who died in February, 1590-1, and had issue an
only daughter, named Marjorie, Ijaptized 3rd May, 1576, who

^/VkwO ;^ J-i

Mi.==cell. Spalding Club, IIL, 156.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen.

127

married, in 1596 — contract of marriage is dated 25th November*
—Gilbert Gray, eldest son of the then deceased Gilbert Gray,
burgess. Provost Menzies died in December, 1606, and on the
13th of that month he was buried in S. Nicholas Churchyard.

1605.

61. ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD of Rubislaw

(Council Reg., XLIL, 378).

In this year, as already noticed, Rutherford was one of the
four Commissioners appointed from among the burghs to confer
as to the proposed union of
the two kingdoms. An in-
teresting memento of Pro-
vost Rutherford has come
down to us in the shape of
a beautifully carved ward-
robe, preserved in the vestry
of the East Parish Church,
and which was made dur-
ing this term of office. The
door of the wardrobe, which
stands nearly seven feet in
height, is composed of two
panels, the upper one con-
taining one of the earliest
carved representations of
the town's arms, and the

l,ii]LSXM5i®Ejlli

'j.

^M^

\iu-

y. y«J..a>-^.j.->^..t.-w- A

date 1606, while the lower panel contains the Provost's arms,
viz. — an orle, in chief three martlets, and below the arms
"Alexander Rvtherfvrd, Provost. "t This wardrobe may have
been for the private use of the Provost as one of the elders

* Reg. of Contracts,
t These arms are somewhat difl'erent from those a[)pearinfj on the seal (1578)
of Baillie Alexander Rutherford, which weie — on a fess, tliree martlets, between
a mullet in chief and a boar's head erased in base. — CoUt<jt Charitrs.

128 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

of S. Nicholas Church for holding his books, or it may have been
gifted to the church b}^ the Provost as part of the additional
furniture rendered necessary when the church was divided into
two congregations. The news of the Gunpowder Plot was
received in town on the 13th November, and the magistrates
issued an order for the whole town to attend church on Sunday
following to return thanks for the deliverance of the King and
nobility of the realm. A broadside, which is still preserved in the
City Charter Room, was at the same time delivered to the
magistrates for open proclamation, in which a description of
Percy is given, and an exhortation made to apprehend him alive
if possible, so that the names of the other conspirators might be
obtained.*

1606.

60. ALEXANDER CULLEN
(Counrll Reg., XTAL, 946).

1607.

61. ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD of Rubislaw
(Comdl Beg., XLIIL, 280).

1608.

60. ALEXANDER CULLEN

(Council Reg., XLIIL, 728).

The pest or plague which had been raging with terrible force
in most parts of Scotland for a year or two previous to this date
now appeared in the burgh notwithstanding the vigilance
exercised by the Council. The visitation appears to have been
very severe, as a Walter Findlason, of S. Andrews, was engaged
as " clenger," with orders to burn the dead bodies of those who
had died from the disease.

*The description of Percy is as follows: — "The said Percy is a tall man,
with a great broad beard, a good face, the colour of his beard and head mingled
with white haires, but the head more white than the beard, he stoupeth some-
what in the shoulders, well-coloured in the face, long footed, small legged."

Lord Frovosts of Aberdeen. i'2i)

1609.

Cl. ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD of Rubislaw

(Council Ihij., XLIV., 108).

1010.

60. ALEXANDER CULLEN

(Council Bey., XLIV., 686).

Provost Cullen died during the first month after taking
office, and at a meeting of the Council held on the 1st November,
Alexander Rutherford was elected to the vacant chair,

1st November, 1610-14.

6L ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD of Rubislaw
(Council Req., XLIV., 744, d:c.).

The rule which had been strictly observed for the past twenty
years of having a change in the provostship every year was now
broken through by Provost Rutherford, and he continued in
office up to his death in December, 1614.

1615-20.

62. Sir THOMAS MENZIES of Cults

(Council Bt<j., XLVIL, 316).

On Provost Rutherford's death the vacancy was not filled up,
as already noticed, and it was not till the Michaelmas election of
1615 that Menzies assumed office.

The chief municipal work carried out during the six years of
office now under review was the building of a ward-house or jail
at the east end of the Town-House, part of which can still be
seen from Lodge Walk. On the 13th August, 1616, a meeting of
the General Assembly of the Church was held in Aberdeen,
which was called by the King's Letter, for suppressing the
growth of Popery, which, it was said, had taken deep root in
18

130 Memorials of the AlderTnen, Provosts, and

some parts of the country. To this Assembly the Provost and
John Collison were appointed Commissioners. The following
year a new charter was obtained from James ratifjang all the
old privileges and extending some of them, besides homologating
an Act of the Scottish Parliament, which declared that the
Crown feu-duty or burgh maills should be in Scotch money
instead of sterling as mentioned in the charter of King Robert I.
in 1319.

2ni) October, 1620-21.

Lxvii. H)a\n& 1Rutbel♦for^

(Convcil Rerj., XLIX., 737, dr.).

Sir Thomas Menzies having died on the return journey from
London, David Rutherford was elected in his place on the 2nd
October. It is a curious fact worthy of notice that Menzies was
the third provost in succession who had died while in office.

Provost David Rutherford

was a brother of Provost

^^ CH^^ Tt^^C y/i^y'c^ Rutherford of Rubislaw

(61), and was married to
Elizabeth Cullen, a daugh-
ter of Provost Cullen (60). His wife died in February, 1628,
and was buried in the Cullen Aisle free, in terms of her
father's mortification to the Kirk work charge of the burgh.*
On the 24th Septeraber, 1608, he made over the sum of one
hundred pounds to be "bestowed and employed upon profit to
the weel use and utilite of the beddals of St. Thomas' Hospital
of Aberdeen," and he further undertook the obligation "that
when it sail please God to call him out of this world, he sail,
in his letter will and legacie, leve to the said hospitall and
beddals therof the soume of feftie merkes, money forsaid to be
mortified" for the same purpose as the hundred pounds. The
magistrates, on their part, granted, in consideration of these

f/ rUtrt^r/L^cZ

* Kirk and Bridge Work Accounts.

Lord ProvosU of Aberdeev. 131

licnefactions, that he and his heirs should have the presentation
ul' one bcidman to the hospital when the place shall become
vacant.* In 1621 a meeting of the Convention of Burghs was
held in Aberdeen, which the Provost attended as Commissioner,
and as best (lualified to dispense the hospitality of the burgh.
From the accounts of that year it appears that no less a sum than
nearly £530 was spent in banquets, &c., held in Alexander
Kuthcrford's house. During June of the same year he attended,
along with Baillie George Nicolson, a meeting of Parliament held
in Edinburgh, and was allowed £266 13s. 4d. for his expenses
on the occasion. It was during the term of Rutherford's
provostship that the art of printing was first introduced into
th{! burgh, when Edward Raban transferred his press from the
sign of the " A.B.C." in St. Andrews and set it up at Aberdeen
under the new sign of the " Towne's Amies." Kennedy says
that the former provost, Sir Thomas Menzies, and Bishop Patrick
Forbes were chiefly instrumental in persuading Raban to come
north ; but, while this may be so, we think no small part of the
credit is due to Dr. Barron, who had already employed Raban
to print some of his works in St. Andrews.

1622.

LXVIIL OCOVQC IRiCOlSOU

(Council Beg., L., 407).

Provost Nicolson was the second son of Thomas Nicolson,
who was dead by the I7th May, 1580, when his eldest son,
Thomas, and his second son, George, were admitted burgesses of
Guild. The Provost was married to Marjorie Howison, by whom
he had the following family : — Thomas, admitted a burgess of
Guild on the 23rd September, 1625, afterwards one of the
magistrates of the burgh, and proprietor of the lands of Pit-
medden; George; Christane, who died in the beginning of January,

* Mortification Book,

t-t^v trt? - l^-voatA/w*^

132 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1628; Marjorie and Agnes, both baptised 5th July, 1606 ; and a
daughter unnamed, baptised 1st November, 1613. The Provost's
son, Thomas, appears as one of the persons who petitioned
Parliament in 1644 for the investigation of a process raised
against Sir Alexander Gordon of Cluny and his associates by the
" relict and barnes of vmqll William Brown for his pretendit
slauchter." Shortly after this we find that Gordon was warded
in Edinburgh at the instance of Sir Thomas NicoLson, advocate
a son of Baillie Thomas Nicolson, for a debt of 1,100 merks
with interest. Provost George Nicholson died in February,

1624, and on the 22nd
of that month he was
buried in S. Nicholas
Churchyard. A grand-
son of his became one of the Lords of Session, with the title
Lord Kemnay, taken from the estate which he had purchased.
During the period of his office, the Provost, on 2nd July, 1623,
at a Council meeting then held, intimated his intention of
giving six hundred merks " for the glorie of God and relief and
helpe of the poore indigent people within this burgh, who are
intertained and keeped from begging be weeklie contributione,
and to helpe and make upe a stocke of money for ther use to
relieve and ease the nightboures of the toune." Other bene-
factions of the Provost were a hundred pounds for the benefit of
S. Thomas' Hospital, and six hundred merks for behoof of the
poor of the burgh.

1623-38.

LXix. Sir Paul /iDensies ot Iklnmunt)^

(Council Re>j., LI., 66, i{:r.).

Provost Menzies was the second son of Provost Thomas
Menzies of Durn (59), by his spouse, Margaret Ogilvie, and was
admitted a burgess of Guild on the 22nd November, 1588. The

SiK PAUL MHNZIES

OK KiNMUNDV.

Lord Prouofits of Aberdeen. 133

Provost niarricd Euphemia Finlaysoi), and had a large family,
among whom were the following : — Margaret, baptised 21,st
September, 1611 ; Jonatt, baptised 29th December, 1612 ; Thomas,
baptised 31st January, 1614; James, baptised 18th June, 1615;
John, baptised 26th November, 1616; Alexander, baptised 1st
Januarj^ 1618 ; Patrick, a name son of the Bishop, baptised 30th
June, 1619; Margaret baptised 22nd August, 1620; William,
baptised 8th September, 1622 ; and Thomas, baptised 14th
November, 1623 ; other children were Paul, Gilbert, and Robert.
From the fact that John is always described as the eldest son,
the first two are supposed to have died in infancy, and it may be
their deaths that are referred to in the Master of Kirk and Bridge
Works Accounts, when, on 20th December, 1623, and 16th
March, 1629, " ane berne of Paull Menzies, Provost," was buried.
Menzies, unlike the other members of his family, notably Pit-
foddels and Balgownie, seems to have early embraced the
reformed faith, for in
1611 we find him act-
ing as one of the " ser- j^"^ y^ -^
mon catchers " who took [ J\ L^TiyCtS 1(7^0*90 CSi"
note of those absent ^-^ \ /
from church, and in

1620 he was elected an elder of S. Nicholas Church.* During
the early years of his provostship little of interest is recorded
until the war scare of 1626-7, when a threatened landing of
the Spaniards upon this coast put the whole town and county
into a panic. Elaborate preparations were made to secure the
town in case a landing should be effected, while a series of bale
fires or beacons were erected throughout the county to give
warning to the barons and lairds so that they might render all
possible help on the shortest notice. Happily, however, the
preparations were unnecessary, for, although a Spanish fleet did
appear off" the coast, no landing was attempted, and the town

* Session Records, I. , 77.

134 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

again resumed its normal condition after having undergone an
experience which must have recalled the previous struggles with
the old enemies of England, who had now become friends and
allies.

In 1632 the old church bell Laurence was removed from the
steeple of S. Nicholas in order to be shipped for Flanders to be
recast, a large " reft " having been made in the bell. Some delay-
took place in having the bell shipped, and it was two years later
before the work was completed at a cost of over twelve hundred
pounds. The new inscription which w^as then put on the bell
commemorated the fact that " at the expense of the community
it was recast in the year 1634, while Paul Menzies of Kinmund}^,
Knight, was Provost." The first scheme for supplying the in-
habitants with pure water was introduced to the notice of the
Council during Menzies' term of office, when, in 1632, a proposal
was submitted for bringing fountain water into the town. The
principal supply was at this time derived from the Loch, which,
as the minute of 12th September says, "is filthillie defyillit and
corruptit, not onlie be gutteris daylie rynning in the burne,
but also be litsteris and the washing of clothes and abwssing of
the water in sindrie partis, with wther sorts of uncleanness."
The new scheme proposed to erect fountains or wells in various
parts of the burgh, and notwithstanding that the cost was some-
what heavy, the burgesses of all classes agreed that the work
should be carried out, and that they should be stented for the
same. The various crafts, through Thomas Gardyn, the Deacon
Convener, promised a subscription of a thousand merks towards
the scheme.

At the Council meeting on the 15th May, 1633, the Provost
and Baillie Patrick Leslie were nominated Commissioners to the
approaching session of Parliament, as also to attend the corona-
tion of Charles I., which was to take place in Edinburgh during
the following month. That on such a high occasion the Com-
missioners might proceed south in a manner befitting an ancient
and honourable burgh like Aberdeen, the sum of three thousand

Lonl Provosts of Aberdeen. 135

merks was voted to defray their expenses. Part of this grant
was spent in repairing the foot mantle used by the Commissioners
when riding to the Parliament and also in the purchase of a new
set of harness and trappings for the Provost's horse.* The local
programme for celebrating the coronation was carried out on the
19th July, the day after the ceremony in Edinburgh, with great
heartiness, the Council having " ordanit that the haill bells to be
rung, faill fyres to be set on be everie man befoir his awin hous,
the croce to be hung with tapestrie, twa punsheouns of wyne,
with the spycerie in great abundance to be brocht and spent at
the croce, the tuelf piece of ordnance on the Castlehill to be shot,
and the time between to be spent in schooting of muskatis and
burning of poulder." At the meeting of Council on the 14th
August following, when the Provost made his report as Com-
missioner to the late Parliament, the clerk has entered in the
sederunt — Sir Paul Menzies, for the outlay by the town had not
been altogether in vain, since their provost was one of the fifty-
four gentlemen knighted by Charles during his stay in Scotland.!
In August, 1639, the Provost, now an old man, had to mourn
the loss of his eldest son John, who was drowned while
endeavouring to cross the North Esk.^ Spalding, who narrates
the incident, § says that his body was brought home to Aberdeen,
" and vpone the 22nd day of August wes bureit with volie of
muscat insted of funerall sermon, as wes wont to be givin, and
many teires sched for his vntjmilie death, being a brave youth of
singular expectatioun." Although Menzies lived to see the com-
mencement of the struggle between the King and the Parliament,
his age prevented him taking any active part in upholding the
King's authority, for there is little doubt that his leanings would
have been towards the Royalist cause. The Provost died in his
own house in Aberdeen on Saturday, 18th December, 1641, aged
eighty years, and on the following Monday he was honourably

* Dean of Guild's Accounts, 1632-3. (Council Reg., LIL, 113, 115, 116.
:{: Council Records, Montrose. § Memorials of the Troubles, I., 230.

130 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

buried in the south-west corner of the old church of S. Nicholas.
His widow who survived him for over eight years, died early in
March, 1650, and was interred beside him. Provost Menzies'
portrait, by his friend Jamesone, hangs in the hall of Marischal
College, and bears to have been painted in 1620, when the subject
was 67 years of age. This makes a discrepancy in the Provost's
age at the time of his death, as his tombstone says he was eighty,
and by the date on the portrait he would in 1641 have been
eight years older. The portrait shows " under a bald dome a set
of fine, regular features, and the whole expression and dress
bespeak the gentleman. A rich lace collar, reaching from the
ears to a point half-way down the breast, forms a suitable back-
ground to the flowing, pointed beard."* His arms, with the
motto — " Vive vt Vivas " are painted on the upper right hand
corner. Over his grave in the old Church of S. Nicholas there
was placed a handsome slab of black marble, which, though now
mutilated, shows that it had once been adorned with a large
inlaid brass border, but when or by whom removed no informa-
tion can now be obtained. On the top of the stone there is
sculptured the Provost's arms — the usual Menzies' coat — under a
knight's helmet, and below a Latin inscription, of which the
following is a translation : — " Sacred to Almighty God and to
the memory of Paul Menzies of Kinmundy. knight — who
descended from a noble family, spent his life here : being tM'^elve
times elected by the unanimous vote of the citizens, held the
chief magistracy of the city for as many years, endeared to all
by his mild disposition and the courtesy of his manners : once
married and happy in that marriage : at the age of eighty, in the
month of December, 1641, laid down his mortal remains in hope
of a happy resurrection." There are quite distinct traces, though
now illegible, of a longer inscription having been originallj' on
the stone, but the feet of many generations of worshippers pass-
ing over it have destroyed the record. Menteith, however, has

* Bulloclvs Jamesone.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 137

preserved what of it was legible in his day, and from it we
learn that the stone was laid down by the Provost's heir,
Alexander, who succeeded him in the estate of Kinmundy —
" Alexander, his son and heir, caused this monument to be
erected to the best of parents. Under this stone also rest the
bones of Barbara Gordon, spouse of the said Alexander, who
went from life, 19th October, 1657."*

1684.

Lxx. Sir Patrick Xeslie of 3t>c\\

(foiinril Rrg., LIL, 174).

Provost Leslie was the elder son of Patrick Leslie, burgess,
by his wife, Isabella Seton, and became proprietor of the lands
of Iden, now known as Eden, situated in the parish of King-
Edward, on the banks of the Deveron, between Turriff and Banff,
by purchase from the Meldrums.f The other members of Patrick
Leslie's family were John,
for some time one of the
Magistrates, died, 17th

January, 1643 ; and Kath- I ' ^ ^

erine, married to William

Robertson, merchant. The Provost was twice married, his first
wife being Jean Leslie, a daughter of John Leslie, tenth Baron of
Balquhain, by whom he had issue four sons and two daughters.
The names of the children of the first marriage were Patrick,
who, on 20th May, 1645, married the Honourable Miss Eraser, a
daughter of Lord Saltoun of Philorth, and died in London in
1680; John, who married Miss Galloway, and had issue;
Alexander ; Isabella, married on 18th October, 1642, to Alexander
Gordon of Birsmoir, and whose marriage is described by Clerk
Spalding ; Mary, married to Alexander Lumsden of Ruthrieston ;
and Robert, baptised 1st November, 1630, died the same month.

*Cf. Scotti.sh Note.s and Queries, I., 52. t Family of Leslie, III., 412.

-^-A^Qs^

138 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Jean Leslie having died in November, 1630, the Provost there-
after married for his second spouse Isabella Cheyne, eldest
daughter of Baillie John Cheyne and his spouse Elizabeth
Cruickshank, by whom he had the following children : — Thomas,
baptised, 6th May, 1634; Annas, baptised 16th April, 1638;
Bertha, baptised 17th February, 1640 ; William, baptised 17th
January, 1642 ; George, baptised 20th December, 1644, and
succeeded to Iden ; a son, baptised 9th June, 1646 ; Elspet,
baptised 23rd July, 1648 ; and Walter, baptised 20th May, 1654,
died unmarried in Poland. Provost Leslie was a man of con-
siderable repute, and figured largely in the troublesome times of
the civil war, being a most rigid Covenanter, or as Spalding calls
him, "a strong Covenanter," and later, in 1644, "a wehement
Covenanter," while his son Patrick, he characterises as an " arch
Covenanter." His strong partizanship was the occasion of much
trouble at the elections by the interference of the King, as we
shall see, but either his faults had been overlooked or the execu-
tion at Whitehall in 1649 had changed his bias, for in 1651 when
Charles II. visited the burgh he conferred upon him the honour
of knighthood.

The Provost died in 1660, and was survived by his second
spouse, who died about the beginning of May, 1666.* Leslie was
one of the Commissioners who attended the Parliament in 1633,
and for some reason or other, most probably by his anti-Royalist
tendencies, seems to have greatly offended the King, who, on
learning of his election to the office of provost, took immediate
action to have him removed. With this object he wrote the
following letter, which was delivered to the Magistrates by Mr.
Patrick Chalmers, Sheriff-Clerk of Aberdeenshire. " Charles R.
— Trustie and well-beloved, we greet you weel. Whereas we ar
informit of some seditious convocatiounes practised among you,
coming as we heir especiallie from the electioun you have latelie
made of one Patrick Leslie for your provest, whome we wer

* Diary of Principal John Row, 26.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 139

informit to have wrongit your trust in his careage at our late
parliament and thairi'oir to have deserved no Huch chairge, and in
regain] we liave alwayes formerlic found you forward for our
service and accordinglie liave dispensed our favour to you in
(piliat niicht concern your liberties and priviledges. Now, being
eairfull of that which may concern our service and the peace and
weell of that our citie, in redressing of the abuses past and pre-
venting the lyke inconvenience, it is our pleasur for that eflect
that you remove the said Patrik Leslie from being your pro vest,
and in his place we wish you to mak choice of Sir Paull Mengzes
who was formerlie in that chairge. So not doubting of the
performance of this our pleasur we bid you farewell. Frome
our Court at Whitehall the lOtli December 1634." This letter
was submitted to a meeting of the Council held on 14th January
following, who without a dissenting voice agreed to do as the
King commanded. So pleased was Charles with their ready
obedience that he took the pains to send the Council " a gratious
and favourable missive," in which he commended them for their
good affection to his service, and likewise made promise that the
signature for their new charter should have immediate attention.*

14th January, 1635.

69. Sir PAUL MENZIES of Kikmuxdy
fCounr!/ B(<j., LIT., 198).

1635.

Lxxi. TRobert ^obnstoit of CninouD

(Coamil Rt<i., LI I., •224).

Provost Robert Johnston was the eldest son of George John-
ston of Crimond, by his wife Agnes Johnston, and was received
as a Guild brother of the burgh on 5th September, 1604. He
man-ied Agnes, a sister of John Johnston of that Ilk, by whom

* Council Rej?., LIL, 198, 203.

140 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

he had several children, among others George his eldest son,
admitted a burgess on 14th August, 1619 ; William, admitted a
Guild brother in August, 1638 ; James, baptised, 25th August,
1614 ; and Thomas, baptised 20th October, 1618. William, the
second son, became afterwards a lieutenant-colonel in the Royalist
army, and one of the most efficient officers which the King's cause

had in the north, as Spalding

/'^SO P f 1 (^ /j^ *"" ^^^^ — " Generall Johnstoun,
>ib, '\^^-*4^^/-f\iyyr%^ £qj. j^-^ ^^|. g^^^ policie, was

honoured amongst them all,
and had the first place at all thair meittingis." It is understood
that this gallant officer learned the art of war while serving as a
volunteer in the army of Gustavus Adolphus.*

The action of the King in removing Leslie from the provost-
ship, although agreed to without dissent, had caused great dis-
pleasure to a powerful party both in the Council and outside of
it; and at the Michaelmas election of 1635 Leslie would have
been again elected had not Charles taken measures to prevent
the election being made.

His first action was a letter written by the Lord Chancellor
to the Council requiring them in His Majesty's name, that they
should not elect Leslie, nor yet suffer him to have a voice in the
Council. On the day of the annual election, while the proceed-
ings were going on, there entered the Council Chamber the
Bishop of Aberdeen, along with Thomas Crombie, the Sheriff", for
a witness, and desired the Council to stop further proceedings till
His Majesty and the Privy Council should be consulted. The
majority of the Council did not, however, hesitate to show the
Bishop that they did not half like this interference on his
part, nor were they inclined to stand tamely by and see their
liberties thus infringed. A majority of the Council being
determined to go on with the election, the Bishop, on his
authority as a Privy Councillor, dissolved the meeting. A

* Earldom of the Gavioch, 251.

Lord Pi'ovods of Aberdeen. 141

second meeting was held a fortnight later, viz., on the 7th
October, by virtue of n warrant from the Privy Council, and at
this meeting Leslie attended in his capacity of a Councillor, pre-
pared to give his vote as such. The letter of the Chancellor,
however, was distinct that Leslie was to be debarred from any
voice in the Council, and the Provost, Sir Paul Menzies, and his
party appeared determined that he should not do so, while Leslie,
on the other hand, having obtained possession of one of the vot-
ing lists, proceeded to record his vote. A disgraceful scene now
ensued, Leslie being pursued from place to place in the endeavour
to snatch from him the voting paper, and it was not till over
three hours had elapsed that his party accepted defeat, and left
the Council Chamber in a body. The remnant members there-
after elected Johnston to the office of provost for the ensuing
year, but by a Decree of the Privy Council, dated 26th January,
the election was declared void, in respect that it had not been
carried out in a fair and peaceable manner, as became dutiful
and good subjects. At a meeting of the Council held on the 6th
February this Decree was laid before them, together with the re-
commendation that Alexander JafFray should be elected to the
civic chair, and this was accordingly done."'

The Provost's arms, as they appear on his seal, were a bend,
between a boar's head erased in chief and three cross crosslets
fitche'e in base, on a chief three cushions.t

6th February, 1635-1636.

LxxiL Blejanber 5affra^ of Ifungswells

(Council Reij., LI I., 236, 296).

The Jaffrays do not appear to have had any hold in Aberdeen
until the beginning of the sixteenth century, when Robert
JafFray was admitted a burgess, and though we have no direct
proof, he may have been the first of the family who settled here.

Council Reg., LII., 217, 219, 235. t Laing's Seals, II., 92.

142 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

The Provost's grandfather was Alexander Jalfray, who, on 5th
October, 1534, was admitted a burgess of the baker craft, and this
lowly origin of the family was the occasion, as we shall find, for
many thinking that the dignity of the provostship had suffered
when it was placed in Jaffraj^'s hands. The baker burgess died
about 1569, and his two sons, Alexander and Robert, were then
infeft in some property, including a net's fishing on the river Dee.
The elder son was the father of the Provost, and first proprietor
of Kingswells, which he purchased from Robert Arthur, burgess,

in May, 1579. This Alexander
Jaffray was for a long time one of
the Magistrates, and, by his wife
Christian Burnett, the father of at
least four sons — Alexander, the
Provost, David, Andrew, and James,
besides a daughter Marjorie. The
Baillic died in January, 1G27, his wife having died several years
previous, viz., in July, 1619.

Provost Jaffray was baptised on 11th October, 1584, and
married, in 1611, Magdalen Erskine, a daughter of the laird of
Pittodrie, by whom he had fifteen of a family, prominent among
whom were his eldest sons Alexander and John, both afterwards
occupants of the civic chair. The other members of the family,
many of whom died in infancy, were Patrick, born 1616 ;
Cristane, 1618; a son, 1619; Marjorie, 1620; Thomas, 1622;
Jean, 1624 ; William, 1628 ; Maria, 1629 ; Annas, 1630 ; Barbara,
1632; Magdalen, 1633; Marjorie, 1635; and James, 1637. The
Provost died in January, 1645, and was interred on the 12th of
that month in S. Nicholas Churchyard beside his wife who had
predeceased him in September, 1640.

The armorial coat of the Provost is prominent among some of
the fine carved work preserved in the Greyfriars Church, and
shows, paly of six ; on a fess three mullets.

Regarding his election in 1636, Spalding says, "Mony lichtleit
both the man and the electioun," but we are to remember that the

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 143

Commissary Clerk's opinion of men was often dependent on the
side which tlioy took as between the King and the Parliament ;
and in this respect we can hardly look for an impartial sketch of
JafFray, since he has told us that he was " ane rigorouss
Covenanter," being among the first to subscribe the Covenant in
1638. It is true Spalding gives another reason for thinking
liglitly of the man, in that he was not, as he says, one of the old
blood of the town, but the " oy of ane baxter." It occurred to
some of those desirous of reminding the Provost of his parentage
to play a practical joke upon him ; and so, on the first Sunday
after the election, there was placed in the Provost's seat in the
church a baken pie, and although this was repeated several
times, we are told he " miskenit all and never querrellit the
samen." His action in this matter showed the common sense of
the man in a marked degree, and fully justified the choice of the
Privy Council in selecting him for the position of provost at a
time when tlie feeling was so bitter between certain sections of
the communitj\

During the period of his provostship, Jafiray was chiefly
instrumental in establishing a Correction House in Aberdeen on
the model of similar institutions erected in England. In October
of 1636 two brothers of the name of Brastounes, Englishmen,
came from Edinburgh, on the magistrates' invitation, to explain
the method of working the institution and advising with them as
to the best kind of building to erect for their purpose. The cost
of establishing the institution, however, was a serious matter, and
after some negotiation, it was agreed to form a company, who
were to carry on the concern, while the magistrates agreed to tax
the community to the extent of two thousand merks, to enable
them to purchase a tenement, and furnish it with things necessary
for carrying on the manufacture of " bredcloath, carseyis, seyis,
and other manufactoris." In consideration of the contribution
already referred to, the magistrates had the power to send to the
Correction House " all vagabonds, strong and sturdie beggares,
idle and maisterles persones, strong in bodie and habill to work,.

144 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

servants disobedient to maistris, children disobedient to parentis,
leud leivars, pyikers, common scoldis, and uncorrigible harlottis
not amending to the discipline of the kirk." The obligation on
the partners of the Correction House was to receive all such
persons and to keep them at work within the house until relieved
by an order from the magistrates.

1637.

71. ROBERT JOHNSTON of Crimoxd

(Council Beij., LIL, 352).

While the Book of Canons and the Liturgy or Service Book
had been accepted in Aberdeen without the slightest disturbance,
it was not so in other parts of the country, especially in Edin-
burgh, where the introduction of the service had caused a
commotion little short of a riot. By the beginning of 1638 the
opposition had assumed a definite shape, and in the month of
March the lairds of Dun, Morphy, and Leys approached the
Council as a deputation from the disaffected party to ask their
concurrence and active assistance in resisting the new order of
things. With a Council strongly in favour of the King, they
came little speed with their mission, "bot wes rejectit be
Abirdein, constantly abyding be the King." For their action at
this time Charles wrote the Council a letter of thanks, in which
he says the testimony of their affection for him " is the more
considerable in regaird of the neglect of otheris." A larger and
much more influential deputation arrived in the burgh on the
20th July, and the magistrates, according to custom, waited on
them with a " cup of Bon-Accord," which they saw fit to refuse
" so disdanefullie whereof the like was never done to Aberdeen
in no man's memorie." As might naturally be expected, the
" Apostles of the Covenant " had but a small measure of success,
for not only did the Council refuse to sign anj- bond or covenant,
but they did everything they could to prevent the Commissioners
from appealing to the people on the following Sunday by shut-

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 145

ting every pulpit against theiri. Whatever may have been the
faults of Charles, he certainly cannot be taxed with being
neglectful of his adherents at this time, for a month had
scarcely elapsed before the Council had a second letter of thanks,
in w^hich the King specially commends them for " hindering
some stranger ministeris frome preaching in any of their
churches," and promising to be not unmindful of anything that
may concern the good of the burgh.

Although the Council and citizens as a whole had refused to
be bound by the Covenant, there were some notable exceptions,
such as Provost Patrick Leslie, his brother John, and Provost
Alexander JafFray, with several of the ministers in the country
charges in the neighbourhood of the burgh.

1638.

72. ALEXANDER JAFFRAY of Kingsweli-s

( Council ne'j., LIL, 403).

On the 26th September, the day of the election, Provost
Robert Johnston submitted a letter from His Majesty, in which,
after referring to the Council's past endeavours in his service, he
asks them " to carry themselves as they have done for the further-
ing of our service." The drift of this letter was evident, and
expression was given to the spirit of it when the Provost pro-
posed that the name of no one who had signed the Covenant
should be put on the lists from which the Council was to be
elected. Those in favour of this course appear to have been in a
considerable minority, as Jaffray was elected provost, notwith-
standing the fact that he had been among the foremost to sub-
scribe the Covenant. About a fortnight after the election, the
Council, at the special request of the Privy Council, agreed to
subscribe the Confession of Faith, dated the 2nd March, 1580,
together with the " General Band " for the maintenance of the
true religion and defence of the King's person, dated in 1589.
20

146 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

In subscribing this document, the Provost, as well as several of
the Council, took care to explain that they did so "as it doth
condemne and abjure all Popish erroris, idolatry, and superstitioun
repugnant to God's holy Word, and that they understand not
Perth articles nor Episcopall government to be abjured in it, and
also without prejudice of sound and laudable discipline authorysed
and approven by the kirk and lawes of the kingdome."

With the beginning of 1639, it was evident to the burgesses
that the Estates meant mischief towards them for the manner
they stood by the King and for their refusal to sign the Covenant
as a body. An attempt was made to fortify the town, but
nothing of practical utility was accomplished by the end of
March, when Montrose, with nine thousand troops, peaceably
occupied the town. Within ten days, those of the burgesses who
had not fled the burgh had subscribed the Covenant, and Montrose
withdrew his troops southward, carrying with him the Marquis
of Huntly, who had fallen into his hands. For the next two
months the town was alternately in the hands of one party or
the other, but no serious disturbance actually took place until the
month of June, when the Viscount Aboyne, with the Royalist
forces, resolved to make the burgh their headquarters, from
whence they might make attacks on the Covenanting forces
under Montrose and Marischal. A slight skirmish between the
contending armies took place on the 14th at Megray Hill, near
Stonehaven, and the Royalist army retreated on the Bridge of
Dee, which was securely barricaded and defended. Montrose,
following up his advantage, attacked the bridge on the 18th, and
by the stratagem of pretending to cross the river above the bridge,
took it the following day, utterly routing Aboyne's force and
marching triumphantly into the burgh, which on this occasion
ran a considerable risk of being burned had Montrose carried out
his commission from the Tables.

During the occupancy of the burgh by the army of Aboyne
it would appear that Jaffray's loyalty was suspected, for on the
10th June at a Head Court of all the inhabitants, both free and

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 147

unfree, Robert Johnston, whose "Royalist proclivities were beyond
(juestion, demanded if anyone present had accusation, challenge,
or grievance to make against the present provost, or any reason
to suspect him of any disloyalty or miscarriage to the hindrance
of His Majesty's service. The certificate granted by the unani-
mous voice of the meeting shows clearly that Jaff'ray must have
fulfilled the duties of his trying position in a remarkable manner,
seeing that it was the opposite party who gave him the following
testimonial : — " Thay all in ane voice, but ony oppositioun or
contradictioun, answered that they had no point of disloyaltie or
miscarriage to say against him, or any brak of duetie in his office
to lay to his chairge, but be the contriar, they give him thair
approbatioun and applause that he has dischairgit and acquytted
himselflf in his said office most dutifullie and honestlie, as one
loyal and gude subject to his maiestie, and as a most cairfull and
painefull magistratt for the weill and gude of the toune." The
Peace of Berwick gave the burgesses a short breathing space,
and that not before time, seeing that in the short time of six
months the burgh had incurred a debt of over twelve thousand
pounds, without the likelihood of recovering any part of it. A
deputation was, indeed, sent to Charles for the purpose of
interesting him towards getting a part of this debt repaid, but,
as was to be expected, the Monarch had little beyond his
sympathy to give.

1639-40.

70. Sir PATRICK LESLIE of Iden

(Council Reg., LIL, 495, 577).

Leslie, after having been deposed from the provostship in
January of 1635, seems to have retired from the Council for a
short period ; indeed, he petitioned the Privy Council that if he
should be elected a councillor they would grant him their
authority to refuse acceptance for the reason, that he had been
" no litle caus of greif and displeasour this long tyme bygaine for

148 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

his Majesties offence tane aganes him* The King, however, was
not now so great a factor in burgh affairs, and LesKe entered the
Council again in 1G39, and at the Michaehnas election of this
year he was elected to the chair. In the early part of 1640, the
toM'n was again in the hands of the military, under the leader-
ship of General Robert Monro, M'^hen great excesses were com-
mitted, and the burgesses plundered of their goods, while many
were impressed for service in the army operating against England.

1641.

72. ALEXANDER JAFFRAY' of Kixoswells

(Council lieg., LIT., 670).

The game of golf aj)pears to have been a favourite pastime at
this time, for it was worth the trouble of one John Dickson to
remove from Leith to the burgh, where he obtained licence and
tolerance to make "gouff" balls, in respect that there was no
such tradesman within the burgh. Jaffray, during the period
intervening between 1638 and his election in 1641 had been on
several occasions chosen Commissioner to represent the burgh in
Parliament, at the Convention of Royal Burghs, and in the
Assembly of the Church.

1642-43.

70. Sib PATRICK LESLIE of Iden

(Council Rey., LIL, 755, 806).

During this period of office the Provost's brother, John, died
on 17th January, 1643. He had been a magistrate for several
years, and his death, which took place after a few days' illness, was
the occasion of great grief to the town, he being, according to
Spalding, " better lovit nor his brother."

In the opening months of 1644 the burgh had great troul)le

* Spalding's Troubles, I., 92.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 149

with the Gordons, and matters came to such a pass that there
was a strict wateli sot every evening, while four pieces of
ordnance were set up on the " calsey " for defence in case of
attack. Notwithstanding these precautions, in the early morning
of the ]9th March, immediately aftei- the watch had been
removed, there entered the town the young laird of Drum,
the lairds of Haddo, Gight, Tippcrtie, along with some three
score horsemen, and, in despite of the inhabitants, who, it is true,
made no great resistance, they carried oft" Provost Patrick Leslie,
Mr. Robert Farquhar, Baillie Alexander Jaftray, and his brother,
John Jaftray, then Dean of Guild. The raid was made according
to the direct instructions of the Marquis of Huntly, and the
prisoners were taken from Aberdeen to Strathbogie, from whence
they were sent to the Castle of Auchindoun, where they were
kept close prisoners for five weeks, until Argyle's march west-
wards made it prudent for the Gordons that their prisoners
should be set at liberty. The author of the " Genealogy of the
Earls of Sutherland " says " these persons were taken upon
d3'vers considerations — the Provost was taken for alleged being
active in informing the State against the Marquis of Huntly,
Mr. Robert Farquhar was taken for being imployed by the
publick and to squies some money from him, wherein thej''
could not prevail, and the baillie and the Dean of Gill (brethren
called Jaftrays) were taken upon a private former quarrel
betwixt them and the laird of Haddo." The Council, as was
natural, were highly indignant at the outrage that had been
committed, and the same day they appointed Commissioners to
the Committee of Estates and to the Earl Marischal to lay the
matter before them and to obtain redress.

About the beginning of May the town began to fill up with
the soldiers of the Covenant, and from this date till September it
was continuously held by them. Montrose, who had by this
time changed sides in the great civil war, had, on the 1st Septem-
ber, defeated the Covenanting forces at Tippermuir, after which
he resolved to strike at Aberdeen, the headquarters of his enemy

150 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

in the north. Refusing to be again delayed at the Bridge of
Dee, and thinking rightly that it might not be so easily won as
in 1639, he crossed the river at Drum, marched down the north
side, and encamped at the two-mile cross on the rising ground
above the present mansion-house of Norwood. The inhabitants,
who five years earlier would have welcomed him gladly had his
mission been then what it was now, to support the authority of
the King, had, however, been coerced by hardships and pecuniary
losses to embrace the Covenant, and were now disappointed to
find that they had still the great Marquis as their enemy. Some
feeling for the peculiar position in which the burgesses found
themselves must have struck Montrose, for in a characteristic
letter he gave them the chance to render up the town for His
Majesty's service or else be prepared to defend it to the death.
Whatever may have been the desire of the Council, they were
entirely over-ruled by the military leaders, who assembled with
them in Alexander Findlater's house near the Bow Bridge in the
Green. The two armies came into conflict beside the Justice
Mills on the 13th September, about 11 o'clock, and, although
occupying by far the worst situation, Montrose so handled his
forces, far inferior in numbers to his enemies, that in about two
hours' time the Covenanting forces were utterly routed. A
great measure of the success which attended Montrose on this
occasion was owing undoubtedly to the indifferent generalship
displayed by the leaders of the opposing force.* An entry in the
Council Register gives a very graphic picture of the fight and the
subsequent rout : — " Thair wes littill slauchter in the fight, bot
horribill wes the slauchter in the flight fleing bak to the toune,
whiche wes our toune's menis distruction ; whairas if thay had
fled and not cum neir the toune thay mich have bein in better
securitie : but being commandit be Patrick Leslie provest to tak
the toune thay war vndone, yet himself and the pryme cove-
nanteris being on horseback wan saiflie them selffis away." The

* Gardiner's Civil War, II., 145.

Lord l^rovosts of Aberdeen. 151

burgh on tliis occasion paid heavily for tlicir adhesion to the
Covenanting party ; for, besides great loss through the plunder-
ing of the Irish soldiers, there were over 150 burgesses killed,
including several members of the Council, and two of the burgh
officers, so that the entry in one of the Registers, written
evidently within a few days of the fight, truly says that " it is to
be remembirt, but nevir without regrait the great and heavie
prejudice and lose quhilk this burghe did sustaine by the cruell
and bloody feicht quhiche was fochtin betwixt the Crabstane
and the Justice Mylnes vpon the threthin day of September."

1644.

Lxxiii. Sir IRobert jfarqubar of /IDounte

(Coundl Reg., LIU., 10).

Provost Farquhar is one of the prominent figures in the
history of the stirring events of the civil war, for besides
his connection with the Council he held the important post of

collector of the cess or taxation levi-
^\AAn /i ^^^^^ "^ ^^^^ north of Scotland. In

"-/yy^0*5»^ -^xm^^t^^crg the struggle of parties he .sided,

although not taking a very active
part, with the Covenanting party,
and yet this did not militate against
him securing the honour of knighthood from Charles II. in 1651,
along with Patrick Leslie of Iden. Farquhar acquired the estate
of Mounie, in the parish of Daviot, from Patrick Urquhart,
sometime during 1636-7, and the lands were soon afterwards
erected into a barony, of which he received a charter of con-
firmation in 1648.

Provost Farquhar married Elizabeth Patrie, the widow of
Thomas Buck of Grandholm, by whom he had issue three
daughters, all of whom married and had children, as at his death
having no son, it was said he left " many oycs with his three

152 Memorials of the Aldervun, Provosts, and

daughters."* One ol; the Provost's daughters, Elizabeth, married
Sir Ludovick Gordon, the second baronet of Gordonstoun.
Another daughter was Elspet, baptised on 2nd November, 1624,
and there Avas a son George, baptised 15th March, 1621, who
appears to have died in infancy. The Provost's widow died at
Aberdeen on tlie 23rd November, 1665, and was buried in the
old Church of S. Nicholas three days later, while the Provost
survived her only about five weeks, having died on the 1st day
of January, 1 666, aged about 80 years. He was interred on the
4th of the month in the same grav^e as his wife, in S. Nicholas
Church. The Provost's funeral was evidently conducted with
due observance of the customs of the time, for receipts are still
extant from Thomas Davidson, the master of the Music School,
acknowledging the payment to him of " two pund auchteine
shillings " for singing at " umquill Sir Robert Farquhar of Mouny
his lyk," from John Cormack, schoolmaster, for two rex dollars
for " reading at Sir Robert Farcher and his Lady their lyk-
wakes, as the custom is in this place," while the third receipt is
an acknowledgment from James Home, kirk officer, of his fee for
" tolling the kirk belles of Aberdene at the buriell of Sir Robert
Farquhar of Mouney."t

The Provost, who M^as reputed to be one of the wealthiest men
in Scotland, seems to have dealt as a wholesale merchant in
the purchase and sale of victuals, and in this connection
often had the disposal of property of a different nature
from that immediately connected with his business. It was a
transaction connected with his trade which had for its immediate
result the passing of the paternal lands of the Barons of Wardis
out of the family.^ His wealth enabled him on many occasions
to do a service to his fellow-burgesses by relieving them of
charges which Avould have fallen heavily on the common purse.
One such example of his generosity is thus recorded when on

Diary of John Row, 23. t Social Life in Moray, 2nd Series, 51.
:;; Earldom of the Garioch, 252.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 163

the 23rcl September, 1640, the Magistrates expressed the sense of
their obliiration to him " becaus he has relieved the Toun of a
burdine be houlding a frie hous to Major-General Monro dureing
the haill tyme of his remaining in Aberdene, the Toun being
chairgit and lyabill to have furnisht spycereis, salt, weshell-
naiprie, bedding, fyir, and sundry uther houshald stuff for
furnisheing his hous." As a further evidence of his great wealth,
it may be stated that he furnished on various occasions meal and
other provisions to the army until he became a State creditor to
the large sum of £180,859 Scots, and for payment of this debt
the Estates agreed to allow him the third of all the fines imposed
on delinquents north of the Tay* For dealing with the large
sums of money passing through his hands in his official position
as collector, his accounts, it would appear, required sometimes
the aid of a friendly voice to explain matters, and an amusing
story is told of how on one occasion, by the gift of a velvet cloak,
he enlisted the good services of Andrew Cant, and obtained
letters from him to the leaders in Edinburgh which secured an
easy audit of the collector's accounts.

Montrose, after his victory at the Justice Mills, was unable
to take any advantage of it, and within a few days had to
remove northwards owing to the approach of Argyle with a far
superior force. On the latter entering the town, the adherents
of the Covenant came back from the country places to which
they had fled, and, at the election on the 25th September, they
had it all their own way again. On more than one occasion,
however, during the next twelve months, Montrose, in his rapid
marches and counter-marches, came within a few miles of the
burgh, but on every occasion commissioners were sent out to
interview him and offer supplies, on the understanding that the
army was on no account to come within the burgh. We can
judge of the panic which this commander with his Irish levies
had on the burgesses, when we read in the Council Register that

* Acts of Parliament, VI., 170.

154 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

no meeting of the Council was held from the 7th March till the
14th May, " in respect that Montroise and his army wer in thir
feildis, and daylie repairing to this burghe."

1045-6.

Lxxiv. tIF3oma5 (5ra^ of /iDamewlag

(Council Berj., LI 1 1., 56, 85).

Provost Thomas Gray was the second son of Patrick Gray,
burgess, and v/as himself admitted a Guild brother on the 13th
January, 1604. His father, at his death, in 1628, mortified a
hundred merks to the Hospital of the burgh to be employed for
behoof of the beidmen of the said Hospital. The Provost's name

also appears in the list of the town's
benefactors, he having by deed dated
20th May, 1633, given two rigs of
land in Futtie towards the support
of a minister there, and in the follow-
ing year he made over to S. Nicholas Church " ane great brazen
hearse " (chandelier) for the decoration of the parish kirk of the
burgh. For some time prior to his election as provost. Gray had
been a member of the Council, and had served the community for
several years as one of the magistrates, while in 1639 he acted as
one of the Commissioners who appeared before Charles at
Berwick to urge on that unfortunate monarch the necessity of
doing something towards recouping the burgh* for its losses in
His Majesty's service.

The Provost was married to Isobel Farquhar, daughter of
John Farquhar of Noram, and a niece of Sir Robert Farquhar of
Mounie. The issue of this mai-riage was Gilbert, baptised 7th
March, 1633, afterwards provost ; Elspet, baptised 2nd June,
1634 ; Robert, baptised 24th December, 1635, and whose name
appears as one of the ensign bearers at the rejoicings for the

Council Reg., LII., 480, 486.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 155

Restoration in 1660 ; William, baptised 17tli April, 1638 ;
Thomas, baptised 10th July, 1639 ; John, baptised 13th March,
1641 ; William, baptised 4th October, 1642 ; Thomas, baptised
20th December, 1644, appointed librarian of Marischal College,
9th June, 1669; Elspet, baptised 9th March, 1646; Isobel,
baptised 17th March, 1650 ; Marie, baptised 30th December,
1652 ; Elspet, baptised 2nd July, 1654 ; and Alexander, baptised
28tli February, 1656. Gray was elected provost at Michaelmas,
1645, and from the fact that Viscount Aboyne then held the town
for the King, the Provost, if not a Iloyalist, was a much more
moderate man than any of the others who were likely to be
elected, if no interference in the election had taken place.

The uncertain fortune of war soon reversed matters, and the
town was once more in the hands of the Parliamentary party,
but no attempt seems to have been made to remove Gray from
the provostship. The town at this period suffered incalculable
loss from the continual plundering which went on by the soldiers
of both parties, who were at one in thinking the poor burgesses
fair game. At the Michaelmas election of 1646, there seems to
have been some undue influence or pressure brought to bear, as
by an Act of the Estates, dated 6th February, 1647, the whole
election was set aside. The reason given was that " they find
that in regaird of some excommunicat persones and others of the
rebellis being in amies within the toun immedietlie befoir and
about the tyme of thair electioun, and of their intermedling
theirin, the election has not been carried on with that freedome
quhilk is allowed be the law and vsuall in lyke caices, and
therfoir declares and decernes the said election to have bein and
to be enforced, vnfree, and illegal." For the purpose, therefore,
of doing away with the scandal, so the Act says, the Estates took
it upon themselves to nominate a Council, and gave directions for
the persons so nominated to meet and elect ofiice-bearers, which
was accordingly done on 24th February, 1647.

Provost Gray died in May, 1658, and on the 18th of that
month was interred within the Church of S. Nicholas.

156 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, mid

24th February, 1647 — Mich., 1647.

70. SiK PATRICK LESLIE of Iden
(Goundl Re<j., LIU., 107, 135).

At the meeting held on the 24th February, the Council
nominated by the Estates elected Leslie provost, and he was re-
elected again at the Michaelmas meeting in September following.
During the spring of 1647, precautions were taken to ward off
the pestilence or plague which had made its appearance at
Bervie, and the usual watches were set at the Bridge of Dee,
the Blockhouse and the Crabstane, while strict orders were at
the same time given regarding strangers and stranger beggars
within the burgh. The burgesses were likewise specially pro-
hibited from attending the Rude fair at Ellon, while trade or
traffic with Torry was ordered to be restricted as much as possible.
The inhabitants of that burgh of barony were not to cross the
river without special permission given and obtained from John
Anderson in Torry. This was about the utmost that could be
suggested to ward off this terrible disease, and, as was to be
expected, the measures fell far short of the needs of the case,
for the " seikness " appeared in the burgh, and spread with
alarming rapidity. So much was this the case that from the
month of May till August there was no meeting of the Council,
while the election meeting at Michaelmas, 1647, was held at
Gilcomston, the only recorded instance where a municipal election
was held outwith the burgh limits. The disease increasing in
virulence, it was deemed prudent to remove all infected persons
out of the town, and huts were accordingly erected for their
reception at the Links and Woolmanhill, while strong military
guards prevented any intercourse taking place with those inside
the burgh. The total number of persons who are supposed to
have died of the disease in this the greatest and last visitation of
the plague, is estimated at 1,600, and when it is borne in mind
that in 1647 the population of the burgh was in all probability

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 157

under 8,000, this iricans that the mortality was twenty per cent.,
or that one-tifth of the population, died from this terrible disease.
During recent operations on the Links large quantities of human
bones were discovered, the remains in all probability of those who
died and were buried there during this plague.

1648.

74. THOMAS GRAY of Mamewlay

(Conndl. lief/., LIU., 184, 191).

During the latter half of 1648 an agreement was come to
between Charles and a party in Scotland, by which the King
bound himself to recognise Presbyterianism, while the latter
promised to raise a force for His Majesty's relief. To this com-
pact, known as the " Engagement," several prominent citizens
seem to have been privy, although an endeavour was made to
keep the matter secret.

On the 11th November the Council convened for the purpose
of unanimously disclaiming " the lait unlawful ingaidgment," and
for the trial of their common clerk, Mr. John Chalmer, wlio
though denying he took any action in the matter, yet voluntarily
resigned his clerkship about a week later. Previous to this date,
however, there had been presented to the Council by Alexander
JafFray a letter from Chancellor Loudon objecting to the election
at Michaelmas as having been made without due regard as to the
parties elected having had dealings in connection with the
" Engagement." By the Chancellor's order a second election was
held on 8th November, when Gray was again chosen to the office
of provost.

1649.

Lxxv. aiejanber Jaffra^ of IRinoswells

(Council Fxojj., LIU., 232/

Alexander Jaffray, third of Kingswells, was the eldest son of
Provost Alexander Jaffray (72), by his wife, Magdalen Erskine,
and was born in Aberdeen in June, 1614. He is the only provost,

158 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, cond

so far as known, who has left us a record of his life, and this he
has fully done in an elaborate diary, printed with a memoir by
John Barclay in 1833. This diary contains a minute account of
his religious experience, very uninteresting reading for the
most part, and one regrets that the Provost, with his intimate
knowledge and connection with the chief political events of his
time, did not give us some insight into the inner councils of the

period. His early education, we learn,

y/? *-» was obtained partly at the Gram-

^^yX/; j/[ PP' ^^^^ School and partly at the school

jJ.,^'''^^ o^ Banchory, and, at the age of

seventeen, he entered Marischal

College in 1631, but left it the
following year. We have Jaffray's own authority for saying that
his education did not count for much, and this he attributes to
the fact that he had too much liberty granted him, and that he
was unfortunate in liis teachers, of whom lie says that they were
unfit for training up of youths. This judgment on Jaft'ray's
part was made after many years' experience in the larger school
of the world, and is not to be taken as the wisdom of the un-
thinking Jad of eighteen. On the 30th April, 1632, while yet
scarcely eighteen years of age, Jaff'ray married Jean Dun, a
daughter of Principal Patrick Dun, of Marischal College, and
within a few days after Avas sent to Edinburgh, where he
resided with Mr. Robert Burnett, advocate, and in whose house-
hold he not only learnt " some things of the law and practice of
the Tolbooth, but some things as to the practice of holiness and
charity." His stay in Edinburgh was brief, for he visited
London, and was absent some time travelling in France, and in
this journey there is reason to believe he was accompanied by
the painter Jamesone, who.se influence on the young man could
have had only one effect, viz., to broaden his views and direct
his thoughts to everything that was bright and ennobling in
life. During this tour young JafFray nearly lost his life, for on
one occasion he was attacked in the streets of Paris by a drunken

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 159

soldier, cand received a wound in his back and left hand. He
finally returned home and took up house on his own account at
Whitsunday, 1686, but his ignorance of all domestic duties was
such that in less that two years he found himself in straitened
circumstances. The curious will find in the Kirk-Session Records,
under date 27th May, 1638, an entry which must apply to the
future provost, and which, perhaps, more than anything else
could do, shows what little change had as yet come over the
youth who was yet to shine out as a leading light among the
Society of Friends.

Jafii-ay, however much he disagreed with his father on many
things, was at one with him in supporting the Covenant, and
from 1638 onwards he took a most prominent part in the
counsels of that party. In the discharge of his duties as a
magistrate he on one occasion committed to prison a servant of
Sir John Gordon of Haddo, who took the matter as a personal
affront, and in consequence caused Jaffray a great amount of
trouble. Being present with his brother John at Kintore shortly
after the event referred to, he was attacked by Gordon and
wounded in the head, but escaped capture, although hotly pursued
to the town by Haddo, who indeed entered and rode round the
cross to show his contempt for the magistrates' authority. For
this outrage Jaffi'ay sought redress at the hands of the Privy
Council, who imposed a fine on Sir John Gordon of 20,000
merks, of which one-third was to be received by Jafiray. The
attempt to levy this fine only tended to make matters worse, and
when Huntly's party, headed by the young laird of Drum,
invaded the burgh in the early morning of the 19tli March,
1644, Haddo, who was one of the party, revenged himself by
carrying ofi" both brothers as prisoners to Strathbogie and after-
wards to Auchindoun. The only serious result of this escapade
was that Jafiray's wife, who was lying ill, received such a shock
that she died within a day or two, her interment taking place
on the 24th of March. Jean Dun, during her twelve years of
married life, became the mother of ten children, seven sons and

160 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

three daughters, all of whom appear to have been weakly, as
none reached the years of maturity, the only child who survived
her being Alexander, baptised I7th October, 1641. JafFray was
kept prisoner at Auchindoun till the month of May, when he
received his liberty, along with his fellow-prisoners, and immedi-
ately thereafter he went to Argyle's camp, who was besieging
Haddo's House of Kelly. On the rendering of the castle he had
an interview with Haddo, which, from JafFray 's own account,
must have been a stormy one.

At the battle of the Justice Mills in 1644 Jaffray was
present, and narrowly escaped the " Irishes," being, as he tells us,
" evilly horsed, yet by Providence escaped, carrying oiF a pair of
colours which he took from a soldier who was casting the same
from him." For some time after this, while the country was
held by the Royalist forces, JafFray, along with a number of the
Covenanting ministry, found an asylum in Dunnottar Castle,
which was held by the Earl Marischal. During an excursion
across country to Crathes, accompanied among others by Andrew
Cant, the whole party was surprised by the young laird of Hart-
hill, and carried prisoners to Pitcaple, where they were kept
closely warded for over six weeks, and only obtained their release
by a clever stratagem that placed the castle in their hands. They
were driven to great straits to retain possession of the castle,
but in this they were ultimately successful, and on leaving
they committed Pitcaple to the flames.

In 1647, the Provost married for his second wife, Sarah, a
daughter of the well-known divine, Andrew Cant, and by this
marriage there were born eight children, nearly all of whom died
in infancy. The eldest, Andrew, baptised 11th August, 1650,
succeeded to Kingswells. Besides taking a share in local matters,
JafFray took an active interest in Parliamentary matters, and on
several occasions acted as Commissioner for the burgh. In 1649
he was appointed one of the Commissioners to negotiate with
Charles II. as to the restoration of the Monarchy, and though
nothing definite was arrived at then, he was reappointed the

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 161

following year, and in his letters from The Hague narrating the
negotiations he tells us of his scruples of conscience regarding the
whole matter. " We did sinfully," Jaffray says, " both entangle
the nation and ourselves, and that poor young prince ; making
him sign and swear a Covenant which we knew he hated in his
heart: — where, I must confess, to my apprehension our sin was
more than his. I had so clear convictions of this that I spoke of
it to the King myself, desiring him not to subscribe the Covenant,
if in his conscience he was not satisfied." The King, however,
havino- o-iven his nominal consent at least to the Covenant,
Jaffray accompanied him to this country and fought for him at
the Battle of Dunbar, where he had the ill-luck not only to
be seriously wounded, but taken prisoner, and conveyed into
England. A nominal confinement of several months took place,
during which he was kindly treated by Cromwell, and where,
from the conversations he had with several prominent Inde-
pendents, he came to see the errors and shortcomings of Presby-
terianism, and gave in his adhesion to the former body. From
this standpoint it was only one step to the ranks of the
Millenarians or Fifth Monarchy men, whose belief was in the
immediate personal appearance of Christ. Jaffray, in his own
day as now, has been charged with having had ulterior views
in the change of his religious tenets; but notwithstanding the
coincidence of the alteration in his religion with his political
advancement, there is no reason to doubt that his convictions
were honest and sincere. With the advanced views which he
now held, and as one convinced that the cause of Monarchy was
doomed, the Provost became a great favourite with Cromwell,
who in 1652 appointed him Director of the Chancery in Scotland,
while he was also one of the five Scotch Commissioners who were
members of the Parliament known as " The Praise God Bare-
bones." When that assembly was forcibly dissolved by Cromwell
the Provost was one of the small band who waited until forcibly
ejected by Colonel Goffe's soldiers, yet his independent action
on this occasion did not forfeit to him Ci'omwell's friendship,
22

162 Memorials of ilie Aldermen, Provosts, and

who by new favours tried to bind Jaffray more securely to his
service. These favours consisted in the endeavour to persuade
JafFray to accept a judgeship in the Court of Session, which he
steadfastly refused ; and the ^rantino^ of a warrant for \)^y-
ment of the sum of £1,500, chiefly outlays connected with
the mission of the Provost and his colleagues to Holland anent
the restoration of Charles II. Jaffray now removed his house-
hold to Edinburgh, where his duties in connection with his
Directorship of the Chancery occupied his attention. At the
Restoration, he failed or refused to subscribe the public bond,
and on 20th September, 1660, was imprisoned in the Tolbooth
of Edinburgh, but having satisfied himself within a few days
that there was nothing compromising in the required bond,
he expressed himself willing to sign. To this request, however, no
answer was returned, and it was not till January of the follow-
ing year that he was released, and then only on his finding caution
to the extent of 20,000 pounds not to remove out of Edinburgh
until permission was received from Parliament.* JafFray 's release
may have also been hastened OMnng to the state of his health ;
for in one of his letters from the Tolbooth he complains of
" being in ane Infirm and valetudinarie condition, his health much
impaired and lyfF endangered for want of his ordinarie helps
and frie air." On his return to Aberdeen Jaffray 's religious
opinions underwent still another change, when he joined the
Society of Friends ; and whatever may be said as to the worldly
attractions which influenced him in joining the "Fifth Monarchy "
men, no such reason could be adduced for joining himself
to this persecuted sect. Jaffray remained a firm friend of the
Quakers, and suffered a ten months' imprisonment in Banff
gaol for his opinions, in addition to enduring much persecu-
tion in his native burgh. Tlie Pro\'Ost died at Kingswells
on the 7th May, 1673, aged 59 years, and was interred in the
private burying-place there. His second wife, Sarah Cant,

* Acts of Parliament, VII., 13.

Lord Pro vast fi of Aberdeen. 163

shortly before his death, also gave in her adherence to the Society,
and died a few months after her husband.

In estimating Jaffray's character we are aided by the opinion
of a contemporary,* wlio says he was a " wise, pious, and discreet
man all his time," and that he did good service to his native
town by using his influence to get a recognition and payment of
the heavy debt incurred during the civil war. JafFray's
experiences in religious matters were the outcome of his idea
that it was possible to live up to a higher standard of Christian
profession than had hitherto been done, and it was the endeavour
to fulfil this idea which led him so often to change his religious
views, t

1650.

73. Sir ROBERT FARQUHAR of Mounie
(Council Reg., LIII., 279).

About the end of February or the beginning of March, 1651,
Charles II. made his second visit to the burgh, when he was the
guest of the town for a week, and it was on this occasion that
Provost Farquhar and ex-Provost Patrick Leslie received the
honour of knighthood. Charles had visited the burgh in the
summer of the previous year on his way south, after his landing
at Speymouth, and had been received with great demonstrations
of joy : the silver keys of the city were presented to him, while
the town-clerk, Mr. James Sandilands of Cotton, delivered "an
eloquent and pertinent harangue." The action of the Scottish
people in declaring for Charles II., his landing and subsequent
coronation at Scone, naturally raised the hostility of the Com-
monwealth, and reprisals took place at once. The Council
during the next two or three months were actively engaged in
buying " yrne " cannon with the necessary ammunition for
defence of the burgh. The block-house was once more repaired,

* Succinct Survey of Aberdeen.
1 Cf. Introduction Scots Affairs, 47, 50, 51; Scots Magazine, Oct., 1741,
Spalding's Troubles, II., 324-5.

164 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

officers appointed tp the various quarters of the town, and a
nightly watch set at the harbour mouth to give the alarm in
case of attack. Under date 11th June, the regular day of
meeting, there is an entry to the effect that no Council was held
that day in respect "the Inglish schipes haid cliaist in ane
barque belonging to the brughe on the sandis under the Broad-
hill, and the haill toun wes convenit in amies, and stayit in
amies the wholl day in defence of the said barque." The enemy,
however, were not likely to attack the town from this quarter,
seeing that the whole country in the south had been over-run
with Cromwell's troops, and on Sunday, the 7tli September, the
army of the Commonwealth marched into the burgh. Com-
missioners on behalf of the town had, previous to the entry of
the soldiery, been in conference with the commanders of the
army, and had obtained the promise that if there was no
resistance offered on the part of the burgesses the town would
not be plundered. This promise was faithfully kept, but on
leaving three days later the commanders partially disarmed
the burgesses, and imposed a levy of twelve thousand pounds
Scots (£1,000 sterling), to be paid within eight days. The
raising of such a large sum was evidently beyond the
resources of the Council, and accordingly Commissioners were
sent south to Dundee, where General Monck was then stationed,
to endeavour to get this large fine remitted. In this mission
the Commissioners were entirely successful, to the great relief of
the burgesses, the only condition stipulated in remitting the fine
being that the town would remain faithful to the existing
Government, and commit no new " miscariadge,"

1651.

75. ALEXANDER JAFFRAY of King.swells

(Council Reg., LIII., 328).

Jaffray had now returned home from his short captivity in
England an acknowledged Independent, and consequently a safe

Lord Provods of Aberdeen. 165

man for the position of provost in the present state of parties.
During the next twelve months Jaffray was constantly employed
in negotiating matters affecting the town witli Monck at Dundee,
and at one time the Council instructed the Provost to stay there
for some time " for forseing the good of the toun, and preventing
any danger that may affect the samen." The outcome of the
various communings by various commissioners sent by the Council
to the connnanders of the English arn)y was that George Cullen,
one of the commissioners, signed the order of the Parliament
incorporating Scotland into the Commonwealth, and received
in return a Bond of Protection, dated at Dalkeith, the 27th
February, 1652. The commissioner also brought with him a
warrant for a new election of the Council and Magistrates, and
accordingly, on the l7th March, this warrant was given effect to
and a new Council elected. Jaffray was not a member of this
Council, as he had just accepted the Directorship of the Chancery.

17th March, 1652-54.

Lxxvi. (Beoroe /iDocison of 1kii*[?bill an& pltfouc

(Council Bey., LIIL, 347, 361, 398, 428).

The Council thus elected chose George Morison to be provost,
as one who was qualified and " weill affected for the weill and
peace of this natioun."

Provost Morison was the eldest son of George Morison,
burgess, by his wife, Barbara Ferguson, and was admitted a
Guild brother on the 13th September, 1616. His younger
brothers, William and Walter, were admitted three years later,
gratis, in consideration of the good service done to the town by
their mother in giving up her house for a lodging to the Duke of
Lennox while he was in the town. Provost Morison was
married to Jean Buchan, and their daughter Jean was married
to William Forbes, a brother of Thomas Forbes, baillie. Besides
the lands of Kirkhill and Pitfour, the Provost held others, at

166 Memorials of the Aldermev, Provosts, and

least for a short time, for on 30th March, 1655, he had a precept
of sasine from " Oliver, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of
England, Scotland, Ireland, and the domineenes thereto belong-
ing," of the town and lands of Gilcomston, over and nether, with
the mill and mill lands, together with the lands and town of Ardo
and the town and lands of Jackston in the parish of Banchory-

Devenick. The Provost, by his last
will and testament, dated 1st May,
1658, left a sum of five hundred
merks for the poor of the burgh, and
a hundred merks to the hospital
for decayed brethren of guild. The
Provost's death occurred about five months after this date, and
his remains were interred within the Church of S. Nicholas on
the 24th September, 1658. His wife, who survived him, died on
the 26th July, 1664, and two days later was buried beside her
husband in the church. On the 12tli November, 1662, George
Morison of Baroch or Barra was served heir to his uncle,
Provost Morison, in the town and lands of Ardo and Jacks-
ton, with the salmon fishing on the Dee.*

A curious case respecting the authority of the Council to
enforce the municipal statutes made from time to time for
regulating the weight and price of articles sold, took place about
this time. The Council had fixed the weight of bread at fifteen
ounces, but the baxter trade did not see how " they could mack
ane lyff'" by selling their bread at such a weight, so the trade
fixed the weight at an ounce to an ounce and a half less, and
turned out their bread accordingly. The magistrates at once
took up the matter, and the deacon of the craft was summoned
and censured, and was to be dismissed on giving his word that
the craft would not so offend in time coming. The deacon,
however, would neither acknowledge that any fault had been
committed, nor would he give any undertaking for the future,

* Retours and Sherifl' Clerk's Records.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 167

and so by a special ordinance of the Council he was sent to
prison until he sliould acknowledo^e his fault, and the " mistak of
his haill traid."

No election took place at Michaelmas, 1652, and at the
nieetinu- in September, 1653, convened for the election, a letter
was submitted from Colonel Lilburne, intimatinsj that the
Council of Estates thought fit that all civil officers now in ofiice
should continue without any new election. This warrant was
obeyed, the office-bearers being continued as before, and this
procedure was repeated at the Michaelmas meeting in the
following year. At the Michaelmas meeting of 1655 no instruc-
tions were to hand, and the election was continued in the usual
manner, but on the 3i"d October, some nine days after the
election. Provost Morison submitted a " Declaration of his High-
ness Counsell in Scotland," which had just reached him that day.
This Declaration premises that no election had taken place, and
proceeds to declare that all prohibitions as to the election of
magistrates were now taken off", and the ancient privilege of
election restored to those rightfully entitled to use it. After
warnings against electing any person who would be dangerous
to the Commonwealth, the Declaration provides that in the
case of burghs which have not received timely warning as to the
present measure, an election shall take place on that day fort-
night. This intimation was considered by the Council equivalent
to a warrant for a new election, and notwithstanding that they
had already made choice of office-bearers for the ensuing year,
they ordered a new election to be made on the 10th October. At
this second election, Thomas Gray was chosen provost.*

1655.

74. THOMAS (!RAY of Mamewlay

(Council Rtfj., LIII., 462).

* Council Keg. , LIII. , 458.

6^-<^^<^t.

168 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1656.

Lxxvii. (Beorae CuUen

(Council Reg., LIIL, 501).

Provost Cullen was the second son of Thomas Cullen, at one
time dean of Guild, and a grandson of Provost Alexander Cullen
(60). On his admission as a Guild brother on 22nd September,
1615, he is described as the eldest son of the Dean, but this must
mean the eldest son in life, as his brother Alexander, admitted
two years previously, had apparently died in the interval. Both

brothers were admitted burgesses
while they were minors. The
Provost's father died in December,
A- j-y^ A 1616, and in the treasurer's

^^ V accounts for 1623-4, there is a

• receipt of a double grassum for

a half-net of the Raik fishing from George Cullen, as heir to his
late father, Thomas Cullen. Provost Cullen was twice married,
his first wife being Marjorie Forbes, who bore him several
children, among whom were Christian, married William Gray,
provost ; George, baptised 1st August, 1636 ; Isobel, baptised
16th September, 1639, and was probably wife to Gilbert Gray,
provost ; Helen, married in 1662 to William Johnstone, of
Foresterhill, one of the Regents of King's College, and eldest son
of Dr. Arthur Johnstone ; Besse, baptised 23rd March, 1642 ;
Marie, baptised 9th April, 1645; Thomas, baptised 14th March,
1646 ; Robert baptised 11th April, 1650 ; and Anna, baptised
13th May, 1651, died April, 1661. Marjorie Forbes died in
August, 1654. The Provost's second wife, whom he married in
1656, was Barbara Johnstone, a daughter of Dr. Arthur Johnstone
by his second marriage with Barbara Gordon, and in this way
the second Mrs. Cullen became step-mother to her brother
William's wife, Helen Cullen. By his second marriage the
Provost had a daughter, Barbara, baptised 30th July, 1657, but

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 169

he duos not appear to have left a son ; for on his death, which
took ])hice prior to 21.st April, 1658, his four daughters, Christian,
Isol)el, Helen, and Anna were served heirs to certain fishings on
the Don.

During the year in which Cullen held office, a rather novel
departure was made by the Council, when, on the 29th July,
1657, they ordered the town's printer, John Forbes, to print "ane
weekly diurnall " to be sold for the use of the inhabitants.
Although no copy of this early news sheet is known to exist,
there is evidence from the town's accounts that the " diurnall "
was issued. The purchase of the Correction House for the burgh
and the commencement of extensive improvements at the harbour
were some of the public acts during Cullen's tenure of office.

1657-59.

LXXViiL 5obn 3ama^ of Dilspro

(Council He;/., LI 1 1., 563, 627; LIV., 101).

John Jaffray was the second son of Provost Alexander
Jaffray, second of Kingswells (72), and a brother of Provost
Alexander Jaffray (75). Admitted a burgess of Guild along with
his brother, on 13th September, 1G37, he
began to take an active part in burgh affairs,
and, as already referred to, had experienced v^»^^^*S

some of the trials incident to office during
the troublesome times of the Civil War.
Before being called to the civic chair,
he had held the office of councillor for many years, had been
dean in 1643, and one of the magistrates in 1649. The
Provost was laird of the estate of Dilspro, now known as
Grandholm. Jaffray, like his distinguished brother, was twice
married, his first spouse being Janet Forbes, a daughter of
William Forbes, burgess, by liis wife Janet Hay, who died on
the 14th March, 1656, some months before her husband's election
23

170 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

to the provostship. For his second wife Jaffray married Margaret
Gordon, one of the Abergeldie family, who died on the 11th
October, 1678. There was issue by both marriages, but the
majority of the children died in infancy, as shown by the
accounts of the Master of Kirk Works, where the interment dues
of no less than six children appear as having been paid for
between March, 1654, and June, 1663. The family of the first
marriage consisted of four sons and seven daughters, and of the
second marriage two sons and three daughters. The only
children known to have survived their father were Thomas,
who succeeded to Dilspro, died 19th September, 1698 ; and
Janet, baptised 4th October, 1642, who married Robert Skene,
merchant, and afterwards treasurer of the burgh. Provost
Jafiray survived his second wife, having died on the 10th
June, 1684. The interments of the Provost's family appear to
have taken place at the west wall of S. Nicholas Churchyard,
but the lair stone now lies sadly mutilated in front of the West
Church. In the centre of the stone there is the remains of a
finely carved shield containing the arms of Jaffi-ay impaled with
those of Forbes, and a Latin inscription of which the following
is the translation : — " Here lies a most noble man, John JafFray
of Dilspro, Chief Magistrate of Aberdeen, who died 10th June,
1684 ; also Mr. Thomas JafFray of Dilspro, his son, who died 19th
September, 1693. Here rests in Christ, Janet Forbes, most dutiful
spouse of the most illustrious John Jaffray, Provost of the Aber-
deens, who, divinely endowed in mind, and virtue, and grace
beyond the lot of her age and the spirit of her time, freed from
the irksome trammels of mortality, gained Heaven and im-
mortality, 14th March, 1656. Also, Dame Margaret Gordon of
Abergeldie, the highly-cultured spouse of the same, who died
11th October, 1678."

During the first year of Jaffray 's provostship, the Council
Register contains several minutes which reflect the prevalent
ideas and feelings of the time in a special degree. It was a
matter within the cognisance of the Council, and a subject

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 171

worthy of " tacking to hcrt," that the great looseness and
profanity existing among persons of all ranks was the occasion
of a special infliction on the burgh, and the Council, for remedy-
ing of the matter, appointed a day of public humiliation and fast-
ing. The drawing of an agreement between Dr. Thomas Gordon
and the Trades, whereby for a fixed yearly sum he became bound
to attend the individual members and supply them with medicine,
was considered by the Council " dishonorabill to the facultie of
medicinars," besides being intolerable in any well-governed
Incorporation. At the Michaelmas election of 1658 Colonel
Lilburne again interfered on behalf of the Commissioners of
Estates, making a request that all civil officers in burghs should
remain in office as at that date without proceeding to a new
election. In the following year Jaffray wished to retire, as he
had been already two years in office, but the Council would not
listen to any suggestion for removing his name from the lists for
the provostship, and he was accordingly elected for another term.

1660-61.

Lxxix. (Bilbert (3ra^ of Sapboch

(Council Beg., LIV., 217, 304).

Provost Gilbert Gray was a son of Provost Thomas Gray (74).
He was baptised 7th March, 1638, and admitted a burgess of
Guild on 3rd June, 1685. Gray was married to Isobell Cullen, a
daughter of Provost George
Cullen (77), by whom he had Z^)
the following children : — Thomas, / 4/L^^yti^
baptised 18th June, 1657 ; Gilbert, y^^'^^^^^dr
baptised 12th September, 1658; (J
Marjorie, baptised 80th March,
1662 ; George, baptised 14th August, 1664 ; John, baptised 15th
January, 1666 ; and Marjorie, baptised 15th February, 1667. A
sister of the Provost's, Isabella, married Dr. James Leslie,
Principal of King's College, on the 18th October, 1663, the

172 Mew.orials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

respective ages of the bride and bridegroom being fourteen and
fifty. The young wife did not enjoy the wedded state long,
having died at the early age of seventeen on 20th December,
1666.

Provost Gray died at the early age of thirty-four, on the
14th August, 1667 ; and, being then in office, his obsequies were
carried out with great solemnity. The Council at a meeting
held the same day expressed the sense of the duty devolving on
them to attend and convey the corpse of their provost to its
" interment in the most honourable and decent manner they
could," for, continues this minute, he was " ane verie worthie
deserveing persone, and this burgh sustaining great loss by his
removeall." The Council accordingly appointed that the whole
of their number should appear at the funeral in mourning, that
the bells should be tolled, the Council's desk in church to be
covered with black, a guard of fifty men drawn from each of
the four quarters under arms, and cannon and volleys of
musketry to be discharged, according to use and wont in like
cases.*

Although the Restoration had been hailed with delight by all
classes of the community, it was considered prudent nevertheless
by Charles's advisers to see that the Michaelmas elections of 1660
were carried out in such a way that only persons whose loyalty
was above question should receive office. On the ordinary day
of election there was submitted a letter from Chancellor Glen-
cairn, who after reminding the Council of the " former practisses
of a feu disloyall persones who prosperit in their wickedness,"
asks them to elect none to any place of trust who had in any
ways been disaffected to His Majesty's service since 1650. To
this letter the Council resolved to conform, and to make election
according to the tenor of the same. Among one of the first
duties which the Provost was called upon to perform was to
undertake a journey to London with a congratulatory address to

" Council .Reg., LV., 33.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 178

the Kiii<r from tlie Council, this being the second one they had
presented since liis return. In February of 1661 another public
ceremony was performed by the Provost, when the dismembered
limb of the great Montrose was removed from the Church (jf
S. Nicholas and handed over to Harie Graham, son to the laird of
Morphie. The whole town, in their best array, attended on the
magistrates and Council at the church, where the arm and hand
was disinterred and placed in a crimson-lined box and handed
over to Graham. A procession was then formed, and the
mangled limb was conveyed with full military honours to the
Town-House, where it was placed in the custody of the magis-
trates till preparations were completed for having it conveyed to
Edinburgh. It was during Gray's term of office that James
Gordon, minister of Rothiemay, presented to the Council his
" meikle cairt of paper " containing a plan of the burgh and
surrounding country, the first of its kind that we have any know-
ledge of. The Council thankfully received the plan and ordained
their Dean to present a piece of silver to Gordon along with a new
hat, and to buy a silk gown for his bed-fellow. This well-known
map of the burgh was afterwards sent to Holland to be engraved.
Gray, during his provostship, rode the outer marches of the
freedom on two occasions with great state. He was, in 1663, the
burgh's commissioner to the Parliament held in May of that year,
and he would appear to have upheld the dignity of the town in
an especial degree since he was allowed the large sum of five
hundred pounds to defray part of his expenses.*

1662.

Lxxx. mtUiam (3ra»

(Council Bey., LIV., 391).

Provost William Gray was the son of Baillie William Gray
by his second wife, and was born in 1617. He did not occupy

* Treasurer's Accounts, 16G3-4,

174 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

the civic chair for any length of time, as his death occurred
quite suddenly on the last day of December, 1662. From a

contemporary source
we gather that he"ex-
pyred of a squinance
about eight o'clock
at night, having bin
in good health the
day before."* The Council, at a meeting held on the day of
the Provost's death, agreed that the burial should be public, and
" decentlie gone about." On the second day of the new year the
corpse was conveyed by a company of citizens under arms, to
the number of a hundred and fifty, and interred in the old
chiirch of S. Nicholas. No election of provost took place between
Gray's death and the following Michaelmas, the four baillies
evidently discharging the duties of the office.

As already noticed Provost Gray was married to Christian
Cullen, a daughter of Provost George Cullen (77), and after his
death she married William Kintore, Advocate, their contract of
marriage being dated in September, 1665.t

1663.

79. GILBERT GRAY of Saphock

(Council Beg., LIV., 470).

It was during this year of office that the municipal laws
against Quakers began to be made and enforced. On the 16th
December the Council ordered Mr. George Keith, William Leiper,
and William Stuart, " thrie traffiquying " Quakers to be conveyed
out of the burgh with certification that if they return they will
be handed over to the hangman " for punishment of their bodies."
At the same time they ordained certain tines to be uplifted

* Diary of John Row. f Reg. of Contracts.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 175

from all burgesses who in any way countenanced the new sect.
An order was given during the year to the Dean of Guild to
build a new market cross " which should be ane ornament " to
the burgh, but it was nearly a quarter of a century afterwards
before this order was carried out. Shortly before demitting office,
the Provost received a missive from the Privy Council ordering
the magistrates to seize all Dutch ships then lying in tlie harbour,
and it was doubtless with a measure of relief that they were able
to report that no vessels of that nationality were then in port.
The war with Holland was not at all a popular war, and was
especially distasteful to the burgesses of perhaps the largest
shipping port in the kingdom.

1664-65.

Lxxxi. iRobert petrie of portletbeu

(Council Keg., LIV., 5i9, 629).

Provost Petrie or Patrie ^was a member of a family, the
members of which appear pretty frequently in the burgess roll
of the town, and the Provost is said to have been the representa-
tive of the ancient family of that name, designed of Glenavon, in
Banffshire. He married Anna Forbes, the second daughter of
Sir William Forbes, the first Baronet
of Craigievar. Because the estates
ultimately passed to a nephew, it has
been usually taken for granted that
the Provost had no issue, but this
was not the case. There was at least one son of the marriage,
William, baptised 28th Deceudjer, 1662, but he appears to
have died in infancy. A sister of the Provost's, Elizabeth
Petrie, married Rev. James Chalmers, a son of the minister of
Boyndie, and himself for some time minister at Paisley. While
ministering there he was appointed, on the restoration of
Episcopacy, to the Bishopric of Orkney, but died before he

176 Memorials of the Aldermen, I^rovosts, and

was actually consecrated. The second son o£ this marriage was
Captain Charles Chalmers, who ultimately succeeded to Port-
letlien, and by whom it was sold. Anna Forbes died in Nov^em-
ber, 1675, and the Provost was dead by the 24th April, 1688,
when James Petrie, eldest son of Robert Petrie, merchant in
Edinburgh, was served heir to his uncle. In a MS. return for
poll, dated 1694, this James Petrie, who describes himself as " late
oft' Portlethene," gives up his stock for the purpose of the poll-
tax as above 500 and within 5,000 merks. At that date he was
married and had two young children, one of whom was in all
probability the " Robert Patrie, son to Portlethen," who was
interred in the family grave in S. Nicholas Church on the 8th
May, 1701. The Provost's arms are said to have been — Azure,
a bend between a stag's head erased in chief, and three cross
crosslets fitchee in base, argent ; on a chief of the second three
escallops gules. Crest, an eagle soaring aloft, looking at the sun,
proper. Motto " Fide sed vide." In the Baronage of Angus and
Mearns, from which these arms are taken, it is said that Burns 's
song, " The lass that made the bed for me," was composed on an
amour of Charles II., when skulking about Aberdeen during the
usurpation. The King, it is said, formed une petite affaire with
a daughter of the House of Portlethen, who was the " lass "
referred to in the song. If there is any truth in the story, which
is extremely doubtful, it could not have been any of the Provost's
family, as he did not acquire Portlethen from the Buchans till
after the Restoration.

In July, 1665, there was a meeting of the Convention of
Burghs held in Aberdeen, at which Petrie was elected moderator.
This was not the last time, however, that the honour was put
upon him, although on the second occasion it was rather dearly
purchased. Charles, by a letter dated in July, 1674, addressed
himself to the Convention, asking them to revoke their statutes
wdiich provided that burgesses might be elected as representatives
to Parliament, although not actual indwellers of the burghs they
represented. In proceeding to draw up an answer to His

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 177

Majesty's letter, several members of the Convention were not
pleased at the manner in which it was couched, and refused to be
parties to sending it, but the answer bearing date 17th August
was ultimately approved of by the majority of the Commissioners
present. Among those who did not see their way to plainly tell
the King that the burghs in Scotland had endured quite enough
of interference in their affairs by His Majesty was James Currie,
Provost of Edinburgh, and moderator of the Convention. As he
refused to sign the letter he left the chair, and Petrie was chosen
moderator for the purpose of signing the letter. The result was
most disastrous to tlie Provost, for the letter was considered
highly offensive, and he was fined in the large sum of a thousand
pounds Scots. Petrie was in Aberdeen till about the middle of
January, 1675, but evidently having difficulty in raising the
amount of the fine, he went south to Edinburgh, and on the 18th
January the Council minutes of that city contain the following : —
" Provost Peitrie in Aberdeane entered in prison within the
Tolbuth of Edr., according to the Council's order." Meanwhile,
a meeting of the Convention had been held in Edinburgh, when
a letter was adopted and sent to His Majesty, entirely repudiat-
ing the former missive, and intimating that it had been deleted
from the minutes of the Convention. The magistrates of
Aberdeen, acting along with the Council, evidently got alarmed
at the turn matters had taken, and they also took the earliest
opportunity of sending a commissioner to the Convention to
express their entire disapproval of the action taken by Provost
Petrie. The Provost appears to have remained in ward for
some considerable time, as it was not till the month of April that
the Council, on the supplication of Petrie, agreed to lend him the
sum of a thousand pounds to pay the fine. It does not appear
that the Provost ever repaid this sum, the burgh feeling itself,
doubtless, in honour bound for the debt, considering how it had
been contracted.

The Council minutes during the later period of Petrie's term
of office are largely taken up with matters relating to the
24

178 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

pressing of seamen and the difficulties encountered in obtaining
the town's quota of men to serve in the navy against the Dutch.
On the 5th February, 1667, Petrie made resignation for the
purpose of a new infeftment in favour of himself and his spouse
of " all and haill the lands of Portlethen, with the seaport,
haven, and harbourie of Portlethen ; all and haill the lands of
Balquharne and Clasefarquhar, superiority of Cuikstone and
Auquhorties, with power to gather wrack and wars [wares] in
the sea flood within wlioll bounds."*

1666.

79. GILBERT GRAY of Sapiiock

(Council Reg., LIV., 698).

The only events of importance during the year were the
purchase by the Council of guns to protect the burgh against
invasion by the foreign foe, and the appointment of public days
of rejoicing for victories over the " Dutches." A regular foot
post between the burgh and Edinburgh on two days of the week,
Wednesday and Friday, was established for the payment of two
shillings Scots for a letter of a single sheet, two sheets four
shillings, and packets at the rate of five shillings the ounce. This
post was to take the place of the former foot runners, who only
came and went at irregular intervals.

1667-70.

81. ROBERT PETRIE of Portlethen

(Council Beg., LV., 53, 117, 173, 253).

In October of 1669 a great fire occurred at the head of the
Shiprow, which caused considerable damage, for, besides the
houses actually burned, several others were taken down to
prevent the fire spreading. The Council, considering the great
loss sustained by the owners of these houses, ordered a special

* Reg. of Contracts.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 179

collection at the various church doors for furnisliing some relief
for the damage they had sustained.

About this date the statutes against Papists and Quakers
appear to have been carried out with the utmost rigour, the
burgesses being placed under heavy penalties for letting houses
or 1 laving any dealings with persons of either sect. The tol booth
was soon filled with the professors of the latter sect, and the
chapel on Castlehill had to be used as a place of temporary con-
finement for these inoffensive persons, the story of whose sufferings
forms neither an entertaining nor creditable chapter in local
history.

1671-73.

Lxxxii. IRobert forbes of IRubislaw

(Council Beg., LV., 33G, 430, 516).

Robert Forbes was the son of Thomas Forbes of Rubislaw,*
and was admitted a brother of the Guild so early as 15th April,
1616. His father, who was one of the magistrates, died in
September, 1622, and Forbes, who, if of age, was nothing more,
succeeded to the estate of Rubislaw. The Provost was married
to Annas or Agnes Forbes, and had issue,
among others, Thomas, his eldest son, who
succeeded to Rubislaw on his father's
death ; Jean, who is charged in the Kirk
Session accounts of 1688-9 with the sum

of 2.50 merks, as part of the principal sum left by her father,
and is then described as the relict of Principal More ; Besse,
baptised 9th November, 1641 ; and Robert, baptised 13th Novem-
ber, 1651. A grandson of the Provost, Mr. Robert Gordon, son
of the deceased James Gordon of Seaton, presented a petition
on 8th December, 1737, asking the magistrates for assistance, as
he was in reduced circumstances.t Tlie Provost died in August,
1678, and on the 19th of that month he was interred in an "ocken"

• Treasurer's Accounts, 1623-4. f Council Reg., LX., 510.

180 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

coffin within the church of S. Nicholas. At his death he mortified
the sum of three hundred merks for the poor subject to the life-
rent of a sister. Thomas Forbes, who succeeded, was married to
Jeane Jamesone, and in the return made by her for poll in 1694,
she states that her husband had been out of the kingdom for
several years, and that he had no stock. Their family at this
date consisted of one child under seven years of age. The estate
of Rubisiaw, after having been in the family for a considerable
period, was sold by Thomas to Sir George Skene in 1687.

The arms borne by the Provost were — Azure, a skein fesse
argent, hilted and pommelled or, between three bear's heads
couped of the second, and muzzled sable. Crest — A dove proper.*

The principal matters coming before the Council during the
three j^ears in which Forbes held the civic chair were the repair-
ing of the defences of the burgh, and the enforcement of the laws
against Quakers, especially in regard to the liberty of interment,
their dead being removed from the burial ground enclosed by
them on the east side of the Gallowgate to the burgh churchyards.

1674.

81. ROBERT PETRIE of Poetlethen
(Council Beg., LV., 602).

Provost Petrie presided at some meetings in the beginning of
January, 1675, but after his journey to Edinburgh and incarcer-
ation in the Tolbooth of that city, he does not appear to have
acted as provost on his return, as his name does not occur in the
sederunt of the Council meetings.

1676-84.

Lxxxiii. siv (Beorae SF?ene of jfintra^ auD IRuMslaw

(Council Beg., LVL, 166, cfcc).

Provost Skene was the son of David Skene at the Mill of
Potterton, by his second wife, Claris Seaton, and was born in

* Family of Forbes of Waterton.

Sir GEORGE SKENE

OF FiNTRAY AND RUBISLAW,

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen.

181

1619. * His half brother, David, apprenticed him to George
Mdie, an Aberdeen merchant trading in Dantzic, and the intro-
duction thus obtained to the commercial world was the beginning
which enabled the Provost in after years to acquire a handsome

fortune, with part of which he bought

/""^i /^ Wester Fintray in 1666, and in 1687

/ *^ . Jji^iy^ the estate of Rubislaw. The Provost
\^,,m,<y^\^ was never married, and in consequence

(J I y he took the family of his half-brother,

David, consisting of two sons and a
daughter, Katherine, and educated them with the view of making
them his heirs. The two nephews, George and Alexander, dis-
appointed their uncle by their profligate behaviour, and the lands
of Rubislaw went ulti-
mately to a grand-
nephew, Mr. George
Skene, one of the Re-
gents in King's College.
The daughter Katherine
married David ^die,
eldest son of George
iEdie, referred to above.
Sir George died on the
9th April, 1707, aged 88
years, and was interred
in the family burying-
ground at the west wall
of S. Nicholas church-
yard, where an inscrip-
tion records his death as above and the fact that he was provost of
Aberdeen for nine years. f The arms of the Provost as recorded in
the Lyon Register were — " Gules a chevron argent betwixt three

* Memorials of the Family of Skene of Skene, 131.
t Cf . Scottish Notes and Queries, II. , 150.

182 3Iemorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

skens of the second hefted and pommelled or, surmounted of als
many woolfs heads couped of the third tusked proper." Crest —
" A dexter hand issuing out of ane cloud reaching a garland of Law-
rell punctuated." Motto — " Gratis a Deo data." These arms are
familiar to most citizens from the prominent position they occupied
in the old house of Rubislaw, now removed, and the town house of
the Provost in the Guestrow, now known as the Victoria Lodging
house. The Provost at his death left the sum of a thousand merks
by his will to the kirk-session for behoof of the poor of the burgh.

There were not many affairs of interest transacted during
Skene's tenure of office, but among the few mention may be
made that the Council, in 1678, thought it expedient, on account
of the increase of " Poperie and Quakerisme," to take the
burgesses bound by their oath on admission to adhere to and
maintain the Protestant religion as at present professed and
authorised in the Church of Scotland, denying Popery and
Quakerism, and all other heresies. Almost eight years after-
wards, viz., in March, 1686, tolerance in the matter of religion
had made such headway that the Council saw their way to
rescind and discharge the addition to the burgess oath relating to
the Papists and the Society of Friends. The long spoken of
scheme for a new cross was at length reduced to a definite pro-
posal during Skene's tenure of office, and in January of 1686 the
Council, having had the benefit of inspecting pasteboard models
of the proposed structure, agreed to contract with John Mont-
gomery, mason, to build a cross according to the design shown
for the sum of a hundred pounds sterling money. The result of
this contract was the present beautiful cross, which, as the work
of a country mason, has been justly admired.

Skene, while attending the Parliament of 1681, in Edinburgh,
was knighted by the Duke of York, then acting as Commissioner
to the Scottish Parliament. In 1685 the Provost was chosen by
the Council to present an address of congratulation to the King
on his accession to the throne as James II.

At the Michaelmas election of 1685 a complaint was made

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 183

against the election of Sir George Skene by Walter Robertson,
baillie, acting for himself and certain of the citizens. The matter
was carried before the Privy Council, but the Council declined
to commit themselves in the quarrel by espousing the cause of
either party, leaving the question to be discussed as a personal
matter between the parties. The subject at issue — the legality of
Sir George's election — was submitted to the decision of the Duke
of Gordon, who, in his decreet arbitral, found that Sir George's
election was perfectly valid, and ordained Walter Robertson, in
presence of the Council, to declare that the information given in by
him was out of no personal prejudice, but only for maintaining
the privileges of the burgh. The practical outcome of this dispute
was that, to prevent all animus, both parties agreed not to inter-
fere in the burgh affairs as magistrates for a period of three years.
Through the kindness of Miss Skene, Folkestone, a descendant
of the Rubislaw family, a copy of the portrait of Sir George
Skene in her possession is given as an illustration. Another
portrait of the Provost is in the possession of Mr. William F.
Gibbon, Pershore, a descendant of Katherine Skene and David
^die. In the later portrait the Provost also wears a wig, white
lace necktie, and an official robe in red and white, probably that
in which he attended the Parliament of 1681.

1685-87.

Lxxxiv. aeorge XesUe

(Council Beg., LVIL, 186, 236, 2G6).

On Sir George Skene's resignation of the Provostship in terms
of his agreement with Baillie Robertson, a new election took place
at Michaelmas, 1685. On the day of the election a letter was pro-
duced from the Lord Chancellor, recommending George Leslie to
be provost as a command from the King, whom the missive stated
had in himself the power of naming the magistrates of all his
burghs as oft as may be considered good for his service. This side
of the " Divine Right," although it must have struck the burgesses

184 Memorials of the Alderuien, Provosts, mid

as nothing less than a usurping of their undoubted rights, was

acquiesced in, and Leslie was elected as jjrovost for the ensuing year.

George Leslie was the second son of William Leslie by his

wife, Duncan, his elder brother John being a merchant

in Aberdeen, but died at Dantzic. The
future provost may be the party referred
to in the Guild Roll on the 8th Decem-
ber, 1647, as George Leslie, servant to
Provost Patrick Leslie, who was then
admitted burgess in respect of his labours during the prevalence
of the plague. Provost Leslie married Christian Walker, a
sister of Provost Alexander Walker (90), and had the following
family : — Isobel, baptised 2nd May, 1648, married to Cruickshank
of Berriehill ; Marie, baptised 11th September, 1649, married
Alexander Davidson of Newton ; Sarah, baptised 20th March,
1651, married Robert Cruickshank of Banchory, afterwards
provost ; Patrick, baptised 28th June, 1652 ; John, baptised 2nd
April, 1654, afterwards a member of Council and a magistrate,
married probably Barbara -^die ; Rachel, baptised 24th April,
1656 ; James, baptised 30th December, 1658, a merchant in
Dantzic, most probably with his uncle John, and who in 1707
"mortified and doted" the sum of 2,400 merks for behoof of decayed
burgesses of Guild, their widows and orphans ; George, baptised
18th June, 1661 ; Gilbert, baptised 1st November, 1664 ; and
Alexander, baptised 29th June, 1667. Provost Leslie died in
January, 1692, and was survived by his wife for several years.
In 1694 she made the following return for the poll of that year : —
" Relict of George Leslie, late provost off Abd., lyfrents above ten
thousand merkes. Has one sone, two grand-children, and two
servants, who has eighte pund by yeare." * The son who was
then living with his mother was evidently Gilbert, who signs the
return. Leslie had, it appears, made a considerable fortune in
business, and at his death did not forget the needy of his own

*MS. Return.

Lord FrovoMs of Aberdeen. 185

class, as by his will he left the snin of a thousand inerks for
behoof of decayed and indigent burgesses of Guild.

At the Michaelmas election of 168G the Provost submitted a
letter he had received from the Chancellor, prohibiting all elections
within the burghs of Scotland at that time, and ordering the magis-
trates then in office to remain till His Majesty's further pleasure
should be made known. For the purpose of seeing this mandate
carried out there was an order — or recommendation, rather — to
the Earl of Errol and the Earl Marischal to attend in the Council
Chamber on the ordinary day for carrying through the election.
The following year the Council, on the occasion of the birth of the
Prince of Wales, revived in some measure the form of rejoicings
which liad prevailed in the burgh about a century before. After
service in church, high holiday was observed by the whole of the
citizens, and while wine ran in abundance at the cross, the town
resounded with the discharges of artillery from the batteries
placed on the Castlehill and at the Block-house. The King was
evidently determined to make good his claim to keep the
appointment of the magistrates and Council in his own hand, for
at the Michaelmas election of 1687 a warrant was received from
the Privy Council ordering that the election should be delayed
till His Majesty's pleasure was known. The Privy Council
shortly afterwards, in pursuance of a Royal command, nominated
a magistracy and Council, who were thereafter elected.

In the following year — 1G88 — the usual warrant forbidding
an election was received, but on the 12th November a letter was
received from the Earl of Perth, then Chancellor, permitting the
election to take place in the usual manner.

1688-89.

Lxxxv. Hlei-an^ei- Oov^on

(Council Beg., LVIL, 297, 323).

Alexander Gordon was the son of John Gordon, merchant in
Aberdeen, and was born in 1626. He married Grissel Walker,
25

186 Memorials of tlie Aldermen, Provost^-, and

supposed to be a sister of Provost Alexander Walker, and had
the following family: — John, baptised 4th February, 1058, a
magistrate the same year as his father was provost; Isobel,
baptised IGth June, 1661 ; Janet, baptised 8rd February, 1663 ;
George, baptised 14th June, 1665, married Janet Skene, a grand-
daughter of Provost John Jaflray ; James, baptised 22nd July,
1667; Jean, baptised 25th May, 1669; Anna, baptised 29th
September, 1670, married George Cruickshank, merchant, and
died 29th December, 1755, aged 86 years ; and a son Charles.
Provost Alexander Gordon died on the 24th March, 1692, aged

6Q years, and was buried
r^ in S. Nicholas Church-
^^C y^^^*'^'' where a lair-stone
still marks the spot, but
the inscription upon it
has become partly il-
legible. Although the despotic power of James was not exercised
at the election of 1688, it would appear that it was not carried
out with perfect freedom. William Hay, writing to the Countess
of Errol on the 20th November, 1688, says * : — " Your ladyship
has heard of the new election of the magistrats heir, quhich as I
am informed was done by a list sent from Edinburgh to the old
Councill by ther dictator Bailyie Adie." On the flight of James
the Council on 8th January, 1689, only two dissenting, resolved
to send Dr. George Garden, one of the city ministers, as their
Commissioner, with an address to the Prince of Orange. The
choice of Garden does not seem to have been a happy one, for
the Council had afterwards to complain to the General Assembly
against him for having never prayed for Their Majesties, King
William and Queen Mary, and he was deposed by the Privy
Council for this cause in 1692. Dr. Garden's sentiments
represented that of the majority, probably, of the citizens, for
many of them had embraced Episcopacy, and had no wish to

*Miscell. Spalding Club, II., 295.

Lord Frovosls of Aherdeen. ISV

return again to the Presbyterian form of worship, which was
now sure to be enforced under the changed conditions of govern-
ment. The extent of this feehng was, however, much exaggerated
in England, as would appear from the following extract from a
newsletter dated 2Gfch January, 1688-9, and quoted in the
Historical MSS. Reports*": — "The Presbyterians in Scotland con-
tinue very insolent. They took the Mayor of Aberdeen and put
a cape about his neck, led him about the town, and afterwards
caused him to hang two dogs, one of which he called ' Presbyter '
and the other ' Quaker,' and after committed him to prison." No
reference to such a matter occurs in the Council Register, and
there is every reason to believe that the story has no foundation

in fact.

1690.

Lxxxvi. jobn SanMlan^s of Countesswells

(Council Reij., LVIL, 341).

Provost Sandilands was descended of a family Vv^hich settled
in Aberdeenshire about 1606, the first of the family being a
James Sandilands, who bought the lands of Craibstone, in the

parish of Newhills. He was an advocate in Edinburgh, and
became Commissary Clerk of Aberdeenshire. His second son
James, born in 1610, was the first proprietor of that name of
Cotton, and married in 1640 Marjory Burnett, a daughter of
Baillie Alexander Burnett of Countesswells. This James Sandi-
lands was first a Regent, then Civilist of King's College, and
afterwards Town-Clerk of Aberdeen. By his marriage with

* 12tli Report, Appendix VII.

188 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Marjory Burnett he had issue three sons and two daughters, the
second son being the Provost. Sandilands married for his first
wife a daughter of the house of Arbuthnot, and the widow of a
younger brother of Sir Thomas Burnett of Leys ; and for his
second wife, Ann, a daughter of John Udny of Newhills. By his
second marriage he had issue a daughter named Martha, who
married George Gordon of Shillagreen.* Besides tliis daughter
the return for the poll tax in 1696 gives the names of other three
children — James, who perished at sea ; Peter, and May. The
Provost was succeeded in Countesswells by his eldest son, John,
who married Jean Forbes, daughter of Thomas Forbes of Water-
ton. Patrick, the second son of Provost Sandilands, was designed
of Countesswells in 1770.

The Council minutes at this date are of the most fragmentary
character, and consequently they do not show the causes which
led up to the issue of a warrant by the Privy Council, dated
23rd June, 1691, addressed to the Council ordering a new
election of provost. The election was, however, carried out and
Sandilands deposed, and the only reason that can be assigned
for adopting this extraordinary procedure is that he was not well
affected towards Their Majesties King William and Queen Mary.

The arms borne by Sandilands of Craibstone were quarterly,
1st and 4tli argent, a bend counter-embattled azure ; 2nd and
3rd argent, a heart gules, on a chief azure three mullets of the
field.t

8th July, 1691-92.

Lxxxvii. Matter Cocbran of H)aimbrect?

(Council Reg., LVIL, 353, 357, 387).

On Sandilands' removal from the provostship, the result of
the new election was that Cochran was elected by a plurality
of votes. Provost Cochran was the eldest son of Baillie Walter
Cochran of Drumbreck, by his spouse Janet Gordon, whose

* Houses of Moir and Byres, 181. t Ordinary of Arms, 9, 150.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 189

deaths occurred respectively on 7th December, 1669, aud 27th
June, 1683. The other children of Baillie Cochran besides the
Provost, were WilHain, admitted burgess of Guild, 22nd Janu-
ary, 1656; Robert; Jean, married as first wife to Baillie Alex-
ander Alexander ; and Isobel, married to John Leslie, son to
Baillie Leslie, died 26th February, 1663. Provost Cochran was
married to Margaret Butler, and there is in the interment books
of S. Nicholas Churchyard evidence of several of their children
having died young. His family, so far as known, were Anna,
baptised 30tli October, 1675 ; Janet, baptised 21st October,
1676 ; Elizabeth, baptised 30th June, 1678 ; Walter, baptised
15th November, 1679 ; Margaret, baptised 19th December, 1680;
and Margaret, baptised 30tli April, 1682. His son, Walter,
succeeded him in the estate of
Drumbreck, in the parish of

Udny, while his grandson, also /J V f (/ q y ft \/^(7yi\.

called Walter, was appointed
Depute Town-Clerk in 1728.
The Provost's lady died in March,
1694, as is recorded on a lair stone lying in S. Nicholas Church-
yard, the inscription on which is as follows : — " Here lyes Margrat
Butler, relict of the deceast Mr. Walter Cochran of Drumbreck, late
Provost of Abd., who deceast in the monetli of March, 1694. . . ."
The reason of the omission of Provost Cochran's name from the
inscription is not very easily explained, unless on the supposition
that he did not die in Aberdeen. The Provost is said to have
died about the 5th December, 1694, in which case the above
inscription must have been cut after that date. The arms
registered as belonging to the Cochrans of Drumbreck were —
ermine, on a chief gules a stag's head erased or, between two
mullets argent. A fine specimen of these arms can be seen
on one of the oak forms or seats presently in Drum's Aisle,
S. Nicholas Church, and which had formed the Provost's pew in
the church. Besides the arms, the seat contains the initials
W. C, and the motto " Concordia Vincit."

190 Ilemorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1693-96.

Lxxxviii. iRobert CnUcF^sbanJ? of Bancbory

(Council Reg., LVIL, 419, 453, 491, 530).

Robert Cruickshank, born in 1623, is believed to have been
one of a large family of George Cruickshank by his wife
Mattie Gray. Provost Cruickshank married Sarah Leslie, the
third daughter of Provost George Leslie (84) by his wife,
Christian Walker. The issue of the marriage was five sons and

six daughters,
of whom five

^^^— iH^/-^^^^^^. /^ ^^ere living in

family in 1694,
when the Pro-
vost ma-de the

following return for the poll taken in that j^ear : — " Robert
Cruickshank of Banchorie, Provost of Aber. is not poleable
within this brugli because his greatest fortune layes in the
Countrie, but geves up his familie within the brugh of Aber.
as follows, viz. : — He hath ane wife and five children in
familie, two servant lasses, each of which gets sexteen marks
of yeirly fie, and ane man servant, who gets 24 lib per annum.'"*
The poll taken two years later discloses the names of five of the
family — George, who was admitted a burgess in 1687, and quali-
fied as an advocate in Aberdeen, married, 1699, Elizabeth, a
daughter of John Gordon ; James, admitted burgess in 1692, was
afterwards designed as chirurgeon in Kent county, in Maryland ;
Christian, baptised 4th August, 1677 ; Mary, baptised 21st
August, 1681 ; and Jean, married to Alexander Watson, mer-
chant in Aberdeen.

The other members of the family not mentioned in the Poll
Book were Robert, baptised 12th June, 1673, died in infancy;

'^- MS. Return.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 191

Robert, baptised 0th July, 1G74, who became a merchant in
London ; Helen, who married the Rev. John Whyte, minister
of Coylton, in Ayrshire ; Elspet, who married John Jolmston,
afterwards provost ; John, baptised 12th March, 167G ; and
Isobcl, baptised 11th Au<(ust, 1G79. Cruickshank bouoht the
estate of Banchory from John Forbes of Bancliory in 1082. The
Provost died on the 3rd of May, 1717, at the ripe old age of
ninety-four years, and was interred in S. Nicholas Cliurchj-ard,
where a lair stone still lies informing all who care that '■ Here
lyes, under the hope of a blessed resurrection, Robert Cruickshank
of Banchorie, late Provost of Abd, who departed this life the 3
of May, 1717, and of his age 94 years. And also Sarah Leslie,
his spous, wdio departed this life the first day of Janry, 1710, and
of her age the GOth year."

By Deed of Assignation, dated 18th March, 1715, the Provost
granted the Dean of Guild the sum of one thousand merks, the
interest of which he directed to be paid "towards the main-
tenance of ane decayed Burges of Gild of the burgh and his wife,
or the relict or children of Burgesses of Gild," his own relations
or any of the name of Cruickshank to be preferred.*

Among the events of Cruickshank's provostship were the
endeavours of the Council to get Presbyterianism once more
established as the religion of the people, and in this task they
evidently had considerable trouble. It was not until June of
1094 that the Provost took steps toward the election of a new
session, and his action was approved of by a majority of the
Council. In November following, however, the Episcopal session
was still exercising jurisdiction, and the Council sent one of their
number to intimate to them that they were not a " legall sessione,"
and to forbid their collector from intromitting with the utensils of
the Church. A French war scare in March, 1090, was the occasion
for a great display of energy, and what between the appointment
of officers for the various quarters, arrangements for watching

* Mortification Book.

192 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

the coast and drillino- and mustering of the inhabitants, the burgh
soon began to wear tlie appearance of an armed camp, strongly-
reminding the older burgesses of the stirring times of the "forties."

One of the minor works carried out during the four years
under review was the rebuilding of Ruthrieston Bridge, which
was completed during 1693-4. On the completion of the work
the Provost, it appears, without the sanction of the Council, had
a stone with his arms carved upon it built into the bridge. On
23rd February, 1698, the Council, then principally composed of a
party to whom Cruickshank had made himself specially obnoxious,
ordered the arms which the Provost " did clandistinly cause put
up" to be removed and given to him on his paying the price.
Naturally, Cruickshank refused to pay anything, and accordingly
the stone was reversed, and on the other end the following in-
scription was cut : — " Senatus Aberdonensis hunc pontem, impensis
ex ^re ad pontem Dee spectante extruendum Curavit, 1693."
The bitter feeling which prompted the action had spent itself,
however, before the Council meeting held on the 13th September,
1705, when it was "appointed that the Mr. of Kirk-work should
turn the stone whereon the inscription is that Robert Cruickshank
of Banchorie, his armes, which are on the back thereof, may be
seen, and to add Provost of Aberdeen to his designation when this
bridge was built." The arms of the Provost were or, three boars'
heads couped sable. The feeling against Cruickshank above
referred to was one of strong resentment by a numerous party in
the Council against the unfair means taken by him to secure his
election year after year to the chair. At the Michaelmas election
of 1696, a vigorous protest was lodged against his election as
provost for another year, but Cruickshank felt himself strong
enough to go forward despite the opposition, and managed to get
himself elected for another term. The following year, however,
he decided to retire, and put up his son-in-law, John Johnston.

His grandson, Robert Cruickshank, a son of George Cruick-
shank, advocate, sold the estate of Banchory to James Gordon,
Ardmellie, by disposition, dated 16th September, 1724

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 193

1697.

Lxxxix. ^o\m 3obn3ton

(Council Reg., LVIL, 583).

Provost Johnston is said to have been descended from the
family of Middle Disblair, and to have been a son of William
Johnston of Middle Disblair. As already noticed he married
Elspet Cruickshank, a daughter of Provost Cruickshank, by
whom he had no issue. The Provost was buried within the
church of S. Nicholas on the 20th November, 1698. It is believed
that his widow in 1722 married William Gordon of Goval.

At the election of 1697, a large number of the Council stayed
away, but Cruickshank was not to be put down in any such
manner, and although there was not a quorum present, the election
was proceeded with by the aid " of burghers off the streets," and
Johnston, out of a leet of three, was chosen provost. Against this
encroachment on the burgh liberties a part of the old council,
headed by Thomas Mitchell and John Allardes, baillies, protested
and applied to the Privy Council for redress. The protest and
the deliverance of the Privy

Council deposing Johnston ^/n-rt^Cjiyrtc^

and appointing a new elec-
tion is engrossed in the
Council Register, and
occupies several pages of the Register. The allegations made
against Cruickshank were that he had been too long in ofEce
already, that he had given no opportunity for inquiry into the
accounts of the burgh, and that the endeavour to get his son-in-
law elected was an attempt on Cruickshank's part to continue to
hold the chief power in the Council. Against Johnston it was
urged that it was well known that he was a professed and open
enemy to the established religion, did not believe in capital
punishment, and, moreover, that he was a member of that
" detestable sect " called Quakers. Doubtless these considerations
26

194 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

had their influence on the Privy Council, but apart from these
they had sufficient warrant for ordering a new election in the fact
that at Michaelmas the election had been carried out by a section
of the Council only. The Decreet of the Privy Council, dated
25th November, set Johnston's election aside on this ground
chiefly.

Provost Johnston had a charter of a sixth part of the Cruive
fishing on Don from the Town Council, of date 14th September,
1697, and with consent of his brother George he conveyed it on
8th November, 1698, to Alexander Johnston in Pettens.*

8th December, 1697.
xc. Blejan^er Maimer

(Council Reg., LVIL, 605).

Provost Walker was born about 1631, so that he was about
sixty-six years of age when he consented to fill the civic chair
between the above date and the following Michaelmas. He was
twice married, his first wife being Anna Boj^'es, and his second

Helen Irvine, a daughter of
Alexander Irvine of Murthill.
'^-£^ By his two marriages he had a
family of three sons and eight
daughters. Alexander, the eldest son, was baptised 28th March,
1671, admitted a burgess of Guild, 26th September, 1682, and
died 28th May, 1694; Patrick, baptised 29th May, 1675; George,
born in 1705, was an advocate in Aberdeen, and married Mary, a
daughter of Sir Alexander Gumming of Culter ; Marjorie,
baptised 5th March, 1669 ; Barbara, baptised 25th March, 1673 ;
Magdalen and Anna, baptised 6th May, 1677 ; Margaret, baptised
17th September, 1678, married to the Rev. Colin Campbell of
S. Nicholas Church, and became the mother of the celebrated
Principal George Campbell of Marischal College ; Jean, baptised

* Inventory of Writs of Fishing.

Lord 2\ovosts of Aberdeen. ]95

3rd June, 1682 ; Ann, died unmarried on the 12tli August, 1791
in the ninety-first year of her age ; and Helen.

Provost Walker died on the 25tli February, 1711, aged about
eiglity years, and was survived by his second spouse for the
long period of forty-five years. Mrs. Walker died on the 15th
January, 1756, in her ninetieth year, and in the notice of her
death she was described as " a lady, who in all the stations of
life was a real ornament to the sex, and whose valuable qualities
were so much heightened rather than impaired by her great age,
even to her last moments, that her death is much regretted." *
The Provost's burial place in S. Nicholas Churchyard is covered
by a lair stone, on which is recorded the deaths of himself and
several of his family.

1698-99.

xci. UF)oma6 niMtcbell of ITbainston

(Council Reg., LVII., 671, 717).

Provost Mitchell was the second son of Baillie Thomas
Mitchell by his second wife, Marjory Moir, one of the Old Aber-
deen family of that name. The Provost w^as born in 1659
(baptised 16th January), and in 1692, the first year in which he
was elected to the magistracy, he married Janet Leslie, a
daughter of Provost Sir Patrick Leslie (70). The issue of this
marriage was six children,

all of whom died young. rZ/?r<mcU' ciAiM^ipJPS
Samuel and Elizabeth were dTl^'^^ Qj/J C rcntA^..

the only children returned

in the Poll of 1696, while Janet Leslie died on the 7th September,

1698. His two sons, Alexander and John, were admitted as

infant burgesses on 26th September, 1704. Provost Mitchell

married for his second wife Isabella Patton, a sister of Alexander

Patton, afterwards provost, who died 22nd April, 1703, in the

* Aberdeen Journal,

196 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

thirty-ninth year of her age. In 1703 he purchased the lands
of Easter Beltie and Annesley from Sir Robert Forbes of
Leamy, and in 1717 the estate of Thainston, near Kintore, from
Forbes of Tolquhon. On the 19th August, 1718, the Provost
buried his son Alexander, and he himself died on the 20th
December of the same year. About a week prior to his decease,
the Provost's son, Thomas, paid over in his father's name the sum
of a thousand merks to the Guild Brethren's Hospital, and five
hundred merks for behoof of the poor ; and, in the following
year the kirk-session received a similar sum for a like purpose.

Baillie Mitchell married for his third wife, on 3rd August,
1665, Katherine Dun, and a transaction regarding the right to
a half-net's salmon fishing on Don in 1690 gives the names
of the Provost's half brothers and sisters alive at that date as
Alexander, Patrick, Charles, Catherine, Margaret, and Rachel.
His full sister Janet married in 1683 Sir John Johnston of New
Place, afterwards of Caskieben, merchant in Aberdeen.

Provost Mitchell was survived by his third wife, Jean Mercer,
who on 16th August, 1725, did, of her own accord, " make over
and grant to the Church Session of the burgh, a big silver dish
with three lugs holding more than a chappin for gathering up
the tokens at the communion table, or for any other use the
Session shall think fit." This gift was accompanied by a dona-
tion of five hundred merks for the charitable relief of her needful
relations and their children, married or unmarried, if inhabitants
in Aberdeen. Jean Mercer, " relict of Provost Mitchell," was
interred in S. Nicholas Churchyard on the 3rd July, 1740. The
family burying-place is covered with a lair stone, the inscription
on which has in great part now become illegible. Thomas, the
Provost's surviving son, succeeded to the estate of Thainston,
and his only daughter Barbara, by his spouse Barbara Forbes,
married Sir Andrew Mitchell, British Minister to Frederick the
Great.

The arms of the Mitchells of Thainston were sable, a fess
wavy between three mascles or.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 197

1700-1.

xcii. 3o\m HUarOes

(Council Iie>j., LVIL, 751, 808).

Following out the Act of Council which had been agreed
upon in 1697, Mitchell retired at the end of two years, and John
Allardes, who had been a member of the Council for a consider-
able time, was elected for the period of two years. Provost
Allardes was the son of John

Allardes elder, merchant bur- ^ /O ^^ r^

gess of the burgh, who died on -CT'^^"^^ CLi2\C\)tU' ^^--/^
the 3rd December, 1699, at the

advanced age of ninety-nine years. His mother was Isobel
Walker, a sister in all probability of Provost Alexander Walker
(90). The Provost was baptised 16th July, 1657, and married
for his first wife Agnes Mercer, who died on 21st August, 1700,
aged forty-one years, so that the Provost accepted office about a
month after her death. His second wife was Jean Smart, who
survived the Provost, and died upon the 29th November, 1722,
aged forty-five years. It is somewhat difficult to distinguish the
family of each marriage, but by both unions the Provost had
six sons and five daughters. John, the eldest son, was admitted
a burgess of Guild while still under age, on the 26th September,
1692 ; there were two sons of the name of Thomas, while James,
the eldest of the family by Jean Smart, Andrew, and George
were all admitted burgesses during 1709-10, when the Provost
was serving his second term of office. Of the daughters Christian
married Rev. James Trail, minister of Brechin, who died in
September, 1747, aged fifty-seven years ; Katherine married Rev.
James Honeyman, minister at Keith-hall, and afterwards of
Kinneff ; while the names only of the other three sisters have
been preserved — viz., Margaret, Isobel, and Jean. Provost
Allardes died in his sixty-first year on the 25th of May, 1718,
and was interred in the burying-ground of S. Nicholas, where a

198 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

lair stone still records the deaths of the Provost aud his family.
At his death he mortified the sum of five hundred merks to the
kirk-session for behoof of the poor of the burgh, under burden
of the life-rent to his sister Marjory, the wife of William Prot*
From the session records it would appear that this sum was
never received by the session. The Provost had the distinction
of being Commissioner for his native burgh in the first Parlia-
ment of Queen Ainie, and what proved to be the last Scottish
Parliament, extending over the period from 1703 to 1707. An
interesting incident connected with this matter is recorded, under
date 25th September, 1739, when James Allardes, son to the
deceased James Allardes, merchant, was admitted an infant
burgess, as his mother, a daughter-in-law of the Provost evidently,
had complimented the Council by presenting them with the
saddle cloth, stirrups, and bridle with which the Provost of
Aberdeen rode as Commissioner to Queen Anne's Parliament.!

During Allardes's term of office the Council were actively
engaged in building a new pier at the harbour, and for this
purpose they received a contribution from the Convention of
Burghs of two thousand pounds. As showing the close connection
between the burgh and the Low Countries, a voluntary contribu-
tion was made in Holland for the same purpose, and although,
with one exception, the contributors were Scotch merchants
resident there, the interest taken in this local matter was most
gratifying to the Council, and while returning them their best
thanks, the Council also sent burgess tickets for each of the
contributors.

Other matters coming before the Council had reference to
reforms in the manners of the people, such as the prohibiting of
penny weddings, discharging fiddlers from playing on the streets,
and supporting in various ways the Correction House, so as to
make it suitable as a temporary home for all idle persons and
vagabonds able to work. About this period we have the first

* Session Records, XXII., March, 1731. f Council Reg., LX., 620.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 199

reference to a public coffee-house being established, when George
Cruickshank, merchant, was authorised to set up one for the
selling of tea, coffee, and chocolate, and for his encouragement he
was to get a remittance on all taxation of these articles for a
period of nineteen years.

1702-3.

91. THOMAS MITCHELL of Thainston
(Council Beg., LVIL, 8i0, 862).

1704-5.

xciii. Blejan5er Ipatton

(Council Reg., LVIL, 890; LVIIL, 17).

Very little has been gleaned concerning the family history of
Provost Patton, except that he was the son of Alexander Patton
of Kinaldie, by his spouse Isobel Keitli, and was baptised on the
10th December, 1673. On the 8th December, 1G86, Alexander
Patton was served heir to his father, Alexander, in the town and
lands of Kinellar, and in the town and lands of Meikle and Little
Kinaldies. On the 20tli October,
1698, he was admitted a burgess of

Guild. The Poll-Book shows that (/i ^ ^^^^^^M^/t
the relict of the late laird of Kinaldie
was at that date (1696) living in the burgh with her three
children, Isobel, Jean, and Alexander, and two grand-children,
Isobel and Marjorie Forbes, while the same authority gives the
name of the then laird of Kinaldie as Alexander Patton, who
returns as living in family with him, Isobel Forbes, his niece. The
Provost was married and had issue, as two of his children were
buried in S. Nicholas Churchyard on the 12th and 27th of March,
1705. On the 24th September, 1700, Alexander, his eldest son, was
admitted an infant burgess, and on 30th October, 1705, there is an
entry in the Kirk Work Accounts of a payment for the interment

C^^^^^^Ci^O)

200 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

of " Provost Patton," and on the 13th February of the following
year licence was granted to put a lair stone on his grave free of
charge, but no tombstone now exists, although his grave at the
west wall of the churchyard can be identified.

No new election took place on Patton's death in February,
1705, until the following Michaelmas, the senior baillie acting in
the meanwhile.

The arms of Patton of Kinaldie were azure, a sword in pale
argent between three crescents of the last.

1706-7.

xciv. 5obn 6or&on (Campvere)

(Council Beg., LVIIL, 53, 72).

Provost John Gordon was the son of John Gordon, merchant
in Aberdeen, by his wife Christian Henderson, and a brother of
Provost Alexander Gordon (85). The Provost was born in 1654,
and, to distinguish him from his father, and from John Gordon,
his cousin and one of the magistrates, was often designed
" Younger," and also "Campvere," from the fact that, prior to his
election as provost, he had carried on business as a merchant

at the staple port for Scotch

/} y^/y /} ""S. goods, which was then fixed at

yfO^Kl^ W^TohQ^ Campvere. By his marriage

/y y/J with Janet Gordon he had

iy // several children, among whom

were John, baptised 28th Feb-
ruary, 1683, died in infancy ; John, admitted infant burgess
of Guild, 12th November, 1688, who afterwards became
Minister of Old Deer ; Alexander, admitted burgess same date as
his brother, who died August, 1728 ; and Anne, who married
Robert Stewart of Bridgeford, afterwards provost. The Provost's
return for poll was in these terms — " John Gordon, younger,
marchant in Abd. at fiftie shilling polle, having ane vifi"e and

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 201

tliree clnklrinf^, the eldest not exceeding ten yeares off age, and
two servants at sixtein marcks a yeare of fie."

Provost Gordon died on tlie 24th of August, 1730, in the
seventy-sixth year of his age, and was survived by his spouse,
Janet Gordon, who died in December of the following year. In
1724 he paid over to the kirk-session the sum of a thousand
merks " as a free gift and donation " made over and granted by
them for the behoof and charitable relief of the poor in the said
burgh, but under the condition that he and his spouse should
receive meanwhile the interest of the same during their lifetime.
The Provost's son John was called by the Presbytery of Aber-
deen on the 20th February, 1711, and ordained to the church of
Old Deer on the 6th April following. The Episcopal minister,
Mr. Livingston, had intimated his determination not to leave the
church until compelled by physical force, and as he was supported
by the majority of the parishioners, an exciting scene took place
when the Presbytery, supported by a force of seventy horsemen,
endeavoured to enter the church so as to have Gordon properly
placed. The church was found to be strongly barricaded, and
the Presbytery, after having been hooted and pelted at by the
large crowd present, had to retire without accomplishing their
object. Criminal letters were raised against the ringleaders, but
the case was ultimately referred to the Lord Justice Clerk for
peaceful arbitration, who decided that the Presbytery was right,
and Gordon was accordingly duly ordained minister,* He con-
tinued at Old Deer till his death in 1718. The incident is fully
treated by William Meston in his " Mob contra Mob : or the
Rabblers Rabbled," where, in describing the retreat of the
Presbytery, he says —

" Which makes the thing to be admired.
That men with zeal so much inspir'd
Rode faster home, spurr'd on with fear.
Than they advanced to Old Deer." f

* Scott's "Fasti," VI., G21. t Bards of Bon- Accord, 151-2

202 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

This settlement, it is understood, led, in great measure, to the
passing in 1712 of the Acts of Parliament relating to Toleration
and Patronage.

Provost Gordon had the honour of being chosen by the
District of Burghs, comprising Aberdeen, Montrose, Arbroath,
Brechin, and Bervie, as their representative to the first British
Parliament, and the Town Council of the day agreed to pay his
expenses while acting as Commissioner. The amount of these ex-
penses was considerable, for, on the first occasion, he received £216
sterling, while, in 1710, he received a further payment of £163 as
charges incurred by him attending the last session of Parliament.

The principal municipal work undertaken by the Council
during these two years (1706-7) was the carrying out of the
scheme for bringing in a supply of spring water from the springs
at Carden's Well, on the lands of Gilcomston. It was in connec-
tion with this first waterworks scheme that the fountain, now
standing in the Green, was erected about 1708 in the Castlegate
for the distribution of the water from Carden's Well. Small as
the undertaking was as compared with the gigantic schemes since
promoted for the same purpose, the bringing in of the water to
the burgh was then considered as a great step, and one which
was not without its difficulties, for in 1708 the Council, " con-
sidering the retardments that Joseph Foster hath met with in
bringing in the water to this place," were pleased to " gratify "
him with the sum of two hundred pounds Scots, and an additional
sum " of thirty-six pounds of drink money to his servants."

A threatened French invasion in the spring of 1708 was the
occasion of much disquietude in the burgh, as several of the
enemy's fleet had been seen off the coast. This " pretended
French invasion," as it was afterwards called, enabled the Magis-
trates and Council to testify their loyalty by presenting an
address to the Queen, in which they praised Her Majesty's dili-
gence in fitting out such a powerful fleet as " cannot but persuade
the French King to lay asyde his late usurped prerogative of
creating kings at his pleasure."

JOHN ROSS

OK Cl.OCHCAN AND ArNAGK.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 203

1708-9.

C2. JOHN ALLARDES
(Council Re<j., LVIIL, 124, 164).

1710-11.

xcv. 3obn IRoss ot Clocbcan auD HvnaGc

(Council Reg., LVIIL, 204, 244).

Provost Ross was the second son of John Ross of Clochcan,
in the parish of Old Deer, by his wife Christian, a daughter of
Andrew Howieson, merchant, burgess of Aberdeen. The family-
were descended from the Rosses of Auchlossin, in the parish of
Lumphanan, who, in their turn, deduced their descent from the
Roses of Kilravock. On the death of Francis Ross of Auchlossin,
who fell at the battle of

Malplaquet, in September, /V ^ y n

1709, Provost Ross became ^^.^^'-Y^O A "^^ ^^^yT^
the male representative of ^""^^^^Z //

that family. The Provost 1/

was born in 1665, and was

baptised on the 7th April of that year. He was a staunch ad-
herent of the Church of Scotland, and, as a ruling elder in the
Church, represented the Presbytery in several General Assemblies
at the beginning of the century. In all matters relating to the
welfare of the Church he appears to have taken the most lively
interest, being specially firm in his opposition to the proposed re-
introduction of patronage and the proposal for an Act of Tolera-
tion in favour of clergymen of the Episcopal Comnmnion in
Scotland.* A series of letters by Principal Blackburn, dated
about 1712, addressed to the Provost, evidences the warm in-
terest he took in Church matters. By contract of sale, dated
14th February, 1702, Provost Ross acquired from David Rickart

* Miscell. Spalding Club, I., 56.

204 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

the lands and barony of Arnage in Ellon at the price of 40,000
merks Scots, or £2,222 sterling, and on the 22nd July following
obtained a charter under the Great Seal erecting these newly-
acquired lands into a free barony, with power of " pit and
gallows."

The family property of Clochcan was conveyed to him by his
niece Jean, Lady Ogilvie, by disposition dated 21st March, 1711.

Provost Ross married on 1st June, 1704 — the contract is dated
at Echt, 28th April, 1704 — Jean Forbes, only daughter of Arthur
Forbes of Echt, by his wife Elizabeth Innes. The issue of this
marriage was two sons and four daughters. John, baptised at
Aberdeen 13th March, 1707, was born deaf and dumb, and on his
succession to Arnage, which was not accomplished without con-
siderable trouble and opposition on the part of his sisters, he is
generally referred to as the " deaf and dumb laird of Arnage."
The second son, Arthur, was baptised 20th Augu.st, 1711, and
died 12th November, 1719. Of the four daughters Elizabeth, the
eldest, was baptised 23rd December, 1705, buried 4tli July, 1718 ;
Christian, baptised 19th October, 1708, married, 20th June, 1729,
Sir Arthur Forbes, fourth baronet of Craigievar ; Catherine, bap-
tised 23rd July, 1710, was buried 24th May, 1711 ; and Jean,
baptised 29th November, 1713, became, in 1739, the first wife of
her kinsman, Alexander Aberdein, younger of Cairnbulg, mer-
chant, and afterwards provost of Aberdeen.

Besides the lands of Arnage, Clochcan, Colp, and iroresterhill,
the latter in the parish of Meldrum, the Provost left a personalty
of about £60,000 Scots, or a sum in sterling money of £5,000,
considered, for the time, to be a large fortune.

Provost Ross died of ague at Amsterdam, where he had gone
on business, on 15th September, 1714, in the fiftieth year of his
age, and was interred within the English Church of that city.

The Provost's widow survived him for the long period of
forty-six years, her death occurring at Aberdeen on the 25th
January, 1761, when she was in her eighty-first year. The
Aberdeen Journal, iu referring to her death, remarked that, " as

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 205

she was so much distinguished for unfeigned piety Avithout
ostentation and extensive charity without show, her death is
much regretted, especially by the constant objects of her bounty
— those in distress or want."

The illustration of Provost Ross is from a fine portrait, pre-
served at Arnage Castle, representing him while a young man of
about twenty-five, and said to have been painted in 1685 by Sir
John Medina, the initials I.M. appearing on the lace collar.

The arms of the Auchlossin family, of which the Provost
became representative in 1709, were or, a boar's head couped
gules, between three water-bougets, all within a bordure sable.

1712-13.

92. JOHN ALLARDES

(Council Reg., LVIIL, 282, 341).

In August, 1714, in terms of an Act of the Privy Council,
obtained chiefly at the instance of Robert Barclay, the Council
struck out from the form of oath sworn by burgesses of Guild
and Trade on admission, all reference to the "heresy" of
Quakerism.

1714.

xcvi. iRobert Stewart of Bri&oefor&

(Council Beg., LVIIL, 371).

Provost Robert Stuart or Stewart was the son of Alexander
Stewart, said to have belonged to the ancient family of Bonkle
and was born in 1670. As already noticed, he married Anne
Gordon, a daughter of Provost John Gordon (94), and appears to
have had issue — two sons and four daughters. Alexander, the
elder son, was admitted an infant burgess, 21st September, 1708,
and John, his second son, on 15th September, 1711. The latter
was appointed Professor of Mathematics at Marischal College in
1727, and held the Chair till his death in 1766, when he was

206 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

succeeded by Professor William Trail. C.iroline died unmarried
on 19th March, 1795, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years ;
Janet married Alexander Westland, a merchant burgess of Aber-
deen, and died in June, 1743, aged forty-one years ; Ann, married
James Brands of Old Ferryhill, and died 23rd April, 1793, aged
eighty-three years ; while the remaining daughter, Isobel, be-
came the wife of the Rev. James Walker, minister of Dunnottar,

whom she survived, having
died on the 11th of July, 1800.
/2 Provost Stewart died on the
rU^eWr jQ^^ March, 1749, in the
seventy-ninth year of his age,
and at his interment had the unique distinction of being carried
from his house to the churchyard on the shoulders of six pro-
vosts. The then provost, Alexander Robertson, was assisted by
five ex-provosts, and the sight was of so unusual a character as
to be specially recorded. The Journal, in referring to his death,
says that his " steady attachment to the present Government in
Church and State for many years gained universal applause."
On his tombstone in S. Nicholas Churchyard it is recorded of
Stewart that " He was thrice Provost of the Town and Lieutenant
and Sheriff of the County of Aberdeen, and discharged these and
other offices with fidelity ; and having lived in the steady prac-
tice of piety and virtue, he resigned his soul to God, March 10,
] 749." From the same source we learn that his widow was in-
terred at Fetteresso.

The elaborate coat of arms recorded in 1732 by Robert Stewart,
Aberdeen, may have been that worn by the Provost : — 1st and
4th grand quarters ; 1st and 4tli quarters, or a fess chequy azure
and argent between the mullets of the second ; 2nd and 3rd
quarters, ermine on a fess sable three crescents argent, a mullet
for difference ; 2nd and 8rd grand quarters ; 1st quarter, azure
three boars' heads couped or ; 2nd quarter, or, three lions' heads
erased gules; 3rd quarter, or, three crescents within a double
tressure flory counter, flory gules ; 4th quarter, azure three

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 207

cinquefoils argent, the charges of the 2nd and 3rd grand quarters
within a bordure sable, charged with eight besants.

The nature of the times in which Provost Stewart lived made
it almost necessary for public men to declare either for the old
House of Stuart or the more recently-established dynasty, and
in this connection there is ample testimony that Stewart was a
staunch Hanoverian.

The agitation as to the Pretender had been going on for some
considerable time prior to the outbreak of the rebellion in 1715,
for, in a letter addressed to the Magistrates by John, Earl of
Mar, in the previous year, he asks for information regarding some
ill-disposed persons at Aberdeen, who did, "in the night-time, and
under the disguise of women's apparrell, proclaim the Pretender,"*
About a year after this, in August, 1715, the Council were called
upon to take decided steps for the protection of the burgh, for
the Provost reported that he had received information " that the
Highlanders were in some motion, and lyke to ryse, and might
perhaps attack the towne." The meeting at which this report
was given in by Provost Stewart was in the nature of a Head
Court of the burgesses, who accordingly authorised the necessary
expenditure required to put the town in a proper state of defence,
and at the same time recommended the Provost to replenish the
town's armoury by the immediate purchase of two hundred stand
of arms, " viz. gunns and bayenotts." On the 6th September the
standard of the Pretender was first raised at Castleton of Brae-
mar, and on the 17th of the month the Provost had intimation of
the fact, as he "represented to the Council that there were
rumours passing as if some insults and inroads were to be made
upon this burghe by Highlanders and others." Nor was the
Provost far wrong in his information, although the invasion of
the burgh took place from a different quarter and by a different
class. On the 20th September the Earl Marischal entered the
town at the head of a troop of county gentlemen and their

*MS., Town-House.

208 Memorials of tlie Aldennen, Provosts, and

retainers, along with a number of the inhabitants, and from the
Cross proclaimed James VIII. with all due ceremony. The same
evening the bells were rung and the burgh illuminated, and, says
a chronicler, " those that would not obey, rabbled." On the
following day the Earl and his party were hospitably enter-
tained by the Incorporated Trades, who appear almost to a man
to have declared for the Pretender. The few remaining days of
office of the existing Council were not passed in doing much
good, for the burgh was nominally in the hands of the rebels.
On the day of the election, which fell on the 28th of the month,
both parties waited evidently to see what action would be taken
by the other, with the result that no election was made on that
day, although a proclamation was made through the town that
the election would take place in the new church of S. Nicholas
on the following day at eleven o'clock, at which all burgesses
were to be allowed to have a voice. At this meeting, which was
said to represent the greatest part of the burgesses of Guild and
free craftsmen, a Jacobite magistracy was chosen, with Patrick
Banner man as provost.*

1715— 10th April, 1716.

xcvii. patrtcft Bannerman

(Council Beg., LVIIL, 419).

Provost Bannerman, who now took the reins of office, was the
fourth son of Alexander Bannerman, first baronet of Elsick, by
his wife, Margaret Scott, a daughter of Patrick Scott of Thirl -
stone, and was born in 1678. He was admitted a burgess of Guild
on 10th August, 1687, and afterwards commenced business as a
merchant in Aberdeen. Bannerman married, in 1714, Margaret, a
daughter of Sir Charles Maitland of Pitrichie, and by this marriage
he had two sons and three daughters. Alexander, the elder son,

* Historical Papers, 1699-1750, XXII.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 200

was born in 1715, married in 1737 Margaret, the eldest daughter

of Thomas Burnett of Kirkhill, and died in 1782 ; Charles was a

Writer to the Signet, and died unmarried, at Edinburgh, in 1748,

Of the daughters, Clementina and Jean died unmarried, while

]\Iargaret, the youngest, married ^^

Alexander Milne, merchant in /"OxV/

Aberdeen, and afterwards pro- /S-*^^

prietor of Crimonmogate, by /\ /A H^JO^ 0 ^ yi H

whom she left two sons. The CJ^^^-^ vjl-/' >

Provost's grandson, Alexander

Bannerman, Professor of Medicine in King's College, became the

sixth baronet of Elsick," and his great grandson, Sir Alexander

Bannerman, was the first M.P. for the city after the passing of

the Reform Bill of 1832.

On the occasion of the presentation of an address to the
Pretender at Dunnottar in December, 1715, congratulating him
" on his arrival in his ancient kingdom of Scotland," Bannerman
received the honour of knighthood, and the title thus conferred
was retained by him, and he is so designated on his tombstone in
S. Nicholas Churchyard. The Provost died on the 4th of June,
1733, in his fift3'^-fifth year, and was survived by his widow, who
died 31st October, 1750, aged sixty-three years.

One of the first questions considered by the new Council was
that of prohibiting the Presbyterian preachers from occupying
their pulpits, but on debate the resolution come to was that while
allowing them to preach in the new church, they should be
forbidden the old church, where the king's seat and the magis-
trates' loft were placed.

The next action of the Jacobite Council was the imposition of
a tax of two hundred pounds sterling for furnishing supplies to
the army, and this was followed by the demand for a contribution
of two thousand pounds by way of loan, a requisition for three
hundred Lochaber axes, and a request that the only printing press

* Account of the Family of Bannerman of Elsick, 1812.

210 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

in the town, along with the type, should be sent to the head-
quarters of the army at Perth, The Magistrates also endeavoured
to raise a troop of horse for the service of the Pretender, but in
this they were unsuccessful. On the 22nd December, James
landed at Peterhead, and in his journey south to Dunnottar
dined in Aberdeen at the house of " Skipper Scott," in the
Castlegate. After a short period of six months the rebellion was
crushed, and the Jacobite Council demitted office. Provost
Bannerman was carried prisoner to Carlisle, and at his trial made
a narrow escape of forfeiting his life for the part he took in the
historic '15.

10th April, 1716 — Michaelmas, 1716.

96. ROBERT STEWART of Bridgeford
(Council Beg., LVIIL, 457).

On this day an election took place in accordance with an Act of
the Privy Council, made for restoring peace and good government.
The procedure was to be the same as if the election had been
made at the previous Michaelmas, and so Stewart was elected
provost to serve out the term of two years, which was now the
recognised period for holding the civic chair. One of the
first duties of the newly-elected Council was the drawing up of
an address to the King, in which they say that — " As it wes our
greatest honour to be among the royall burghs on this syde of the
Tay, who were most maltreated for adhering to the present
Government, so being now restored to our office by your Majesties
order of ellectioun, we could not but take the first opportunity of
congratulating the wisest and best of kings on the late great and
happie turn of affairs in these northern pairts." The next action
of the Council was to rescind all Acts made by the former Council,
and to delete from the burgess roll the names of all those who
had been elected by the usurping Council.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 211

1716-17.

94. JOHN GORDON (Campvere)
(Council Reg., LVIIL, 498, 561).

1718-19.

(Council Reg., LVIIL, 611, 645).

Provost George Fordyce was a younger son of George Fordyce,
in the Haughs of Ashogle, near Turrift" by his wife Barbara
Thomson, and was born there in 1G63, His father died in 1C81,
and from then on to his mother's death in 1695, it is almost
certain that he carried on the farm of Ashogle, as he is so
designed when admitted a burgess on
24th September, 1689. In the Poll- /^ />^

Book of 1696 he appears as tenant of ^^j f /)t?\ 7/7 IJ T'P
the Mill of Bruxie, Old Deer, the ^ A jf J f

return being made as follows : — qj C' ^ C

" George Fordyce, merchant ther, his

stock is 5,000 merks inde with general poll. And for his wife
and fyve children." Between 1699 and the death of his first
wife, Isobell Walker, in March, 1705, he would appear to have
moved into Aberdeen, where he soon took a prominent part in
municipal affairs. About 1707, the Provost married for his
second wife Elizabeth Brown, a daughter of the Rev. David
Brown, minister of Neilston, near Paisley, and a niece of Prin-
cipal Blackwell, of Marischal College. By his first marriage,
Provost Fordyce had five daughters — Barbara, Agnes, Isobell,
Mary, and Christian, died May, 1745 — while by his second mar-
riage with Elizabeth Brown, he had sixteen of a family — two
Elizabeths, Barbara, Isobell, Janet, Catherine, George, David,
Alexander, James, John, Robert, three Thomas's, and William.
Of the seven sons who attained to man's estate, George (burgess
of Guild, 26th September, 1710) succeeded his father in Broad-

212 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

ford, but died on the 11th September, 1736, in his twenty-eighth
year ; David was Professor of Moral Philosophy in Marischal
College, and died in September, 1751, being described in a letter
of introduction to Lord Braco in 1740, with reference to the
vacancy in the church of Keith, as " a very well-accomplished,
pretty, young gentleman " ; James became a celebrated preacher,
and died in 1796 ; John, sometime a surgeon in the Guards,
latterly resided in London ; William, the fifth son, like his
brother John, was also for a time an army surgeon, but settled
latterly in London, where he had a most extensive practice. He
was knighted in 1782, and died in 1792. Sir William was Lord
Rector of Marischal College in 1790, and in the same year he
bequeathed the sum of a thousand pounds to found the Fordyce
Lectureship on Agriculture, &c., at the same College. Robert,
the sixth son, became a manufacturer in Aberdeen, and for a time
was in the magistracy ; while Alexander, the remaining son,
became a banker in London, married in June, 1770, Lady Mar-
garet Lindsay, second daughter of the Earl of Balcarres, and by
his losses, incurred through heavy speculations, produced wide-
spread ruin in commercial circles. The bankruptcy of Fordyce
and Co. has been termed " one of the most important domestic
events in Britain during the latter part of the eighteenth cen-
tury." *

Some years prior to his death Provost Fordyce acquired the
lands of Broadford, as also a sub-lease of the forfeited lands of
the Panmure family in Belhelvie. He resided latterly at Eigie,
in that parish, and died on the 13th May, 1733, aged seventy
years, having, according to the inscription on his tombstone in
S. Nicholas, " by his integrity in publick and goodness in private
life, left a better monument in the memory of the good and wise
than can be raised to him by posterity." The Provost's widow
survived him for twenty-seven years, her death occurring on the
morning of the 30th May, 1760. In her obituary notice it is

* Douglas' East Coast, 171 ; Dingwall Fordyce Family Record, &c.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 213

said that " the most exalted piety, the most extensive benevolence,
and the most unconfined charity were the leading principles of
her blameless life." The tribute on the family tomb is in still
more glowing terms, for it is there stated that " sanctity of mind,
sweetness of manners, and simplicity of heart, a temper equally
composed and affectionate, a long life free from stain, filled with
usefulness, and finished with hope. Such are the honours that
distinguish her memory, such the reflections that delight her
cliildren. May they follow her fair example, and may their
latter end be like hers."

1720-21.

96. ROBERT STEWART of Bridgeford

(Council Re.<j., LVIIL, 083; LIX., 2).

It was during this term of office that the first dancing school
was opened in the burgh, when James Hunter, described as a
" teacher of manners and good breeding," was allowed by the
Council the sum of a hundred merks for school rent. In the
same year Joshua Largeon was granted permission to open a
similar establishment, and his fees were fixed by the Council at
four pounds Scots monthly.

An accidental fire in Broad Street, which caused considerable
damage, was the occasion of the Council establishing a fire
brigade, and obtaining at a cost of sixty pounds a fire-engine
fi'om London, the first of its kind in the north.

1722-23.

98. GEORGE FORDYCE of Broadford
(Council Beg., LIX., 44,81).

In 1723, the number of incorporated trades was increased by
that of the Gardeners, who were sanctioned by an Act of Council,
and allowed to form themselves into a friendly society, with

214 Memiorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, cmd

power to choose a boxmaster yearly. For several years in succes-
sion the crops appear to have signally failed, and the magistrates
considered it their duty to purchase large quantities of meal for
retail among the inhabitants, to reduce, so far as possible, the
hardships felt by the humbler burgesses.

1724-25.

96. ROBERT STEWART of Bridgeford

(Council Reg., LIX., 117, 207).

It is interesting to find that the Town Council still evinced a
great concern in the trade of the burgh by taking measures to
ensure that the staple commodities of the district should be kept
up to the high standard of excellence for which they had long
been famed. Some years prior to this they had passed an Act
concerning the preparation and bringing to the market of pork
as one of the profitable branches of trade connected with the
burgh. Following out the same line of policy, the Council, in
1725, with the view of encouraging the manufacture of linen
cloth, ordered four premiums to be given in each of the markets
of Turriff (Peter's Fair and Lambas Fair), Strathbogie, and Old
Rain (Lawrence Fair) to the persons having the best webs in the
markets. That something was requiring to be done in the
matter of reviving the trade of the burgh is made perfectly clear
from the minutes of the Council about this time. At a meeting
of the Council held on the 27th June, 1726, at which were
drawn up the instructions to the Commissioners for the burgh at
the ensuing Convention of Burghs, it was resolved " to represent
to the Convention the great decay of trade in this place for these
several years bygone, occasioned chiefly by the small towns on
the seaside to the north of this place having now the whole im-
port of goods which formerly came here." An endeavour was
therefore directed to be made to get " ane ease and diminution "
of the stent, in case the tax-roll should in any way be altered by
the Convention.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 215

172G-27.

98. GEORGE FORDYCE of Broadfokd

(Council Beg., LIX., 300, 3G8).

1728-29.

xcix. Mtlliam Cniicftsbanl?

( Council Beg., LX., 2, 101).

The surname of Cruickshank was at this date very common in
Aberdeen, and it is not easy, therefore, to identify the parents of
the Provost, but it is highly probable that he was the eldest son of
George Cruickshank, merchant, and was admitted a burgess of
Guild 20th September, 1701. Born in 1679, he married on 11th
February, 1703, Isobel Phanes, daughter of William Phanes, at
one time Convener

of the Incorporated -»^ w-, y^ i >i^ •

Trades. The issue )A% t^ : fri^^C/L^tO/TzA.
of this marriage, so ^ v

far as known, was

two sons, James and Thomas, and one daughter, Helen. The
Provost's lady died in February, 1736, while Cruickshank's death
occurred on the evening of the 2nd June, 1760, in the 81st year
of his age. In the usual tone of our " only news-sheet " — the
Aberdeen Journal — his death is noticed as follows : — " A gentle-
man who for several years bore the sway in our Magistracy and
Councils, and who conscientiously discharged the duties of his
station, both in publick and private life. Let it be likewise
mentioned to his honour that he firmly adhered to the Reforma-
tion principles of the Church of Scotland, of which he has given
several sincere and very sensible proofs. In short, so many were
his valuable qualities that his death, or, rather, decay of nature,
is much regretted ; and he was interred with that decency and
those publick marks of esteem and regard which belonged to his
station and character." On the east side of S. Nicholas

216 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Churchyard there is a monument, the inscription now almost
obliterated, which was erected to the Provost's memory by his
daughter Helen, and narrates that " here lie interred the remains
of William Cruickshank, merchant, and late Provost of this city.
He was of the Town Council twenty-two years, and, having
served in all its offices with great fidelity, was, in the year 1730
(sic) elected Chief Magistrate, While in that station he sup-
ported the dignity thereof with honour, and managed the city
revenues with that integrity that made him universally esteemed.
He was a man of unfeigned piety, and strictly adhered to the
reformed principles of the Church of Scotland, never failing to
give every public and sensible testimony for the Covenanted
cause according to its first institution. By the blessing of God
he acquired a plentiful fortune by an assiduity and diligence
becoming the man of honour who disdains sordid and avaricious
views. As he lived so he died, beloved and esteemed by the
good and virtuous."

It was during Cruickshank's term of office that Robert
Gordon made application to the Town Council for a feu of the
ground in Schoolhill for the purpose of erecting the hospital
which he intended to found. The Council, considering the bene-
fit which the bequest would be to the town, had no difficulty in
agreeing to Gordon's proposal, but modified the feu-duty to the
sum of ten pounds yearly, being prevented from giving the
ground in free gift, as the property was held by them in trust.

1730-31.

c. Raines /iDorison, Senior

(Council Reg., LX., 179, 240).

Nothing is known regarding the parentage of Provost Morison
beyond the fact that he was born in 1665, and that, when ad-
mitted a burgess of Guild in 1690, he paid dues as an extranean.
A reference in a letter written in 1740 points to the belief that
the Provost was a native of Donside.

JAMES MORISON, Senior.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 217

On tlie 29th ]\Iarch, 1692, he married Anna Low, probably a
daughter of Robert Low, merchant in Old Aberdeen. The Poll-
Book of 1696 gives his stock as 5,000 merks, and shows that the
household at that date consisted of himself, his wife, and two
sons, Robert and John, Besides these, the other members of his
family were : — James, died in infancy ; Thomas, baptised 20th
April, 1699, merchant in London,
admitted as an infant burgess along
with his brother Alexander, on 23rd
September, 1707 ; and James, the
second of the name, afterwards
provost. There were also four
daughters — Anna, Jannet, Christian, and Katherine, married, on
10th March, 1748, the Rev. John King, minister of Dyce, and
died on the 3rd November, 1761. Provost Morison died in
February, 1748, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. The
Journal, in referring to the death of Provost Morison, records
that he departed " with an unblemished character. He behaved
himself in every station of life in such a fair, straight way, as
procured him the universal love and affection of his fellow-
citizens, and his relations have by his death lost a most affec-
tionate parent and sincere friend." A portrait of the Provost,
painted by James Alexander, the nephew of Jamesone, is in the
possession of George Cadenhead, Esq., advocate, and by his kind
permission is here reproduced. On the back of the portrait there
is a note in which the Provost is described as being " a zealous
friend of the House of Hanover, and a strict adherent of the
Presbyterian Church of Scotland as established by law." Anna
Low died on the 4th April, 1713, in the forty -first year of her
age, and was interred in the family burying-place in S. Nicholas
Churchyard.

A resolution of the Council passed in 1731 gives us a good idea

of the nature of the majority of houses in the burgh at that date.

The Act of Council prohibits in future, under a penalty of fifty

pounds, any further building with wooden fronts or having

218 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

" stake and rice " chimneys, while heather, straw, or divots were
no longer to be allowed as roofing materials. The decay of the
old nave of the church of S. Nicholas had become so pronounced
by 1730 that the Council shut the church for public worship
until they should determine what was best to be done in the
matter.

1732-33.

99. WILLIAM CRUICKSHANK

(Council Rerj., LX., 296, 334).

1734-35.

CI. ibugb TDa^ of parf?

(Council Ren., LX., 366, 394).

Little or no information has been obtained concerning Provost

Hay. In May, 1671, John Hay of Park was admitted a burgess

of Guild, and on the 21st March, 1705, Hugh, only son in life of

John Hay of Brightmoney, was received as a burgess. It is

believed that the latter admission refers

v/ "^ ^^^/ ^*^ ^^ Provost, as no trace of another

^ ^"^Q^^—Cr^^^ Hugh Hay appears in the list of burgesses.

C ^ ^ There is an evident connection between

/ the Provost's family and that of the Hays

' of Rannieston, but the exact relationship

cannot with certainty be stated.

Provost Hay married Isobel Brodie, and had issue, his eldest
son, James, being admitted a burgess of Guild on 21st Septem-
ber, 1736. Isobel Brodie died in June, 1738, and was interred in
S. Nicholas Churchyard, but the date of the Provost's deatli has
not been ascertained.

Lord Provosts of A berdeen. 2 1 9

1736-37.

Cli. 3o\m IRobertson of BMtinillan

(Council Eerj., LX., 438, 491)-

Provost John Robertson was born in 1688, and appears to
have carried on trade as a merchant in Old Aberdeen prior to
his admission as a burgess of the new town on 26th September,
1713. He married Jean Mitchell, a daughter, in all likelihood, of
Provost Thomas Mitchell (91), and had issue at least three sons
and a daughter. John, the
oldest, died a lad of thirteen /T /^

years on 25th November, Y/^''^^

1742 ; Andrew, who suc-
ceeded his father in the
estate of Foveran and in
the business of a stocking merchant, and married Jean, eldest
daughter of Provost William Davidson (110) ; Thomas, an
advocate in Aberdeen, died 13th October, 1757, aged twenty-four
years ; and Mary, married James Legertwood of Tillery.

The Provost's spouse died on the 1st June, 1735, at the
early age of twenty-seven, while he survived her for a period
of forty years, having died on the 23rd January, 1776, at the
advanced age of eighty-eight years. The secret of his old age is
perhaps to be found in the notice regarding his death, where it
is stated that he " was not more beloved by his acquaintance
for his vivacity and good humour, than esteemed by all for his
integrity through life."

The Provost, as already indicated, was a stocking merchant,
and his success was such that he first acquired the estate of Pit-
millan, and afterwards, about 1757, that of Foveran.

The arms recorded by Robertson of Pitmillan in 1763 were
" argent, a chaplet vert, on a chief gules three wolves' heads
erased of the first, all within a bordure counter-company of the
first and azure." *

* Ordinary of Scottish Arms.

220 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1738-39.

cm. Milltam Cbalmers

(Council Reg., LX., 567, 622).

Provost Chalmers was the eldest son of William Chalmers,
born in 1654, by his wife Elizabeth Blair, a daughter of Gilbert
Blair, saddler, burgess of the city.* The Provost was born in
1695, and both parents were dead before he reached the civic
chair, their deaths having occurred on the 21st August, 1710,
and the 20th December, 1783, respectively. Chalmers married
Helen Mollison, by whom he had the following children : —
William, baptised in 1726, died in infancy ; Vera, or Veronica,
baptised 28th December, 1727, married James Cumming of Breda
on 26th October, 1748, and died on the 23rd September, 1758 ;
Alexander, baptised 23rd May, 1729, described as late of Antigua
at his death, which occurred at Peterhead on 9th January, 1778 ;
William, the second of the name, was collector of Customs in
Shetland ; John, described as of Antigua, died at the age of
twenty-two, in 1757 ;-f- and Helen and Christian, who died in

infancy. The Provost
died on the morning
of the 29th March,

^ / 1 t/fj i/f f^^^^^ CC^\/ 1770, aged seventy-five

HT" " *"»" ■ '» ■ — -^ years, his lady having

died some four years
previously — viz., on the 5th of May, 1766, aged sixty-one. The
following sketch of the Provost, although pitched in rather a
high key, was written by a contemporary, and may serve to give
an idea of the respect in which he was held : — " William Chalmers,
Esq., who has been twice provost and chief magistrate of this
city, possessed of every virtue which could make him eminent
and conspicuous in the various stations he filled, both in social
and domestic life. He justly attracted the love and esteem of

* Titles of Burgh Property. f Gentleman's Magazine.

WILLIAM CHALMERS.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 221

all. Clearness of judgment, integrity of conduct, benevolence of
heart, steady and disinterested friendship, and extensive charity
were regularly displayed through his whole life ; and his un-
affected piety, while it gave himself the constant smiles of a good
conscience, adorned all his virtues. The Poor's Hospital and
Infirmary, the most useful and extensive charity foundations in
this place and the north of Scotland, of both of which he was
a zealous promoter, will be lasting monuments of his public
spirit, and preserve and endear his memory to many genera-
tions." *

Of the two institutions referred to in the foregoing notice of
the Provost, the Infirmary was originated in 1738, while he was
in office, and before his term expired in 1740, he was able
to lay the foundation-stone of the new institution, while the
Poor's Hospital was founded in terms of a resolution adopted on
the 17th February, 1739, as a measure likely to " promote
religion, suppress vice, propagate industry and virtue, and be a
general benefit to society." "f*

On the 18th June, 1741, the Council agreed " that Provost
Chalmers' picture should be drawn on the town's charge, and
put up in the Town-House, in gratitude to him for his generously
selling all Halheads farms for the use of the Poor at six pounds
eight shillings Scots per boll." This transaction evidently refers
to his selling meal at a reduction for the benefit of the poor
of the burgh, who were at this particular time in sore need of
help owing to the great scarcity of provisions. The carrying out
of the Council's resolution was entrusted to John Alexander,
as is attested by the following entry in the accounts for
the same year : — " Item paid to John Alexander for Drawing
Provost Chalmers' picture, by order of the Council, and that
as a token of gratitude for his great charity to the poor in
giving Halheads whole farm to the Town at a low price, £72." |

* Aberdeen Journal, t An Aberdeen Benevolence, by Alex. Walker, LL.D.
J Guildry Accounts.

222 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

For fully fifteen years the picture hung in the laigh Council
House, but in June, 1756, the Provost presented the following
curious petition to the Council regarding it: — "Anent the peti-
tion of William Chalmers, late provost, shewing that in June,
1741, the Town Council were pleased to order the petitioner's
picture to be drawn at the town's charge, and to be put up in
the Town-House for the reasons specified in the Act of Council
made thereanent. Which picture has accordingly hung hitherto
in the laigh Council Room, but as there is no other gentleman's
picture hangs in the said room, the said picture looks somewhat
singular, and strangers frequently make inquiry for whom the
same is done, and, therefore, craving permission for their Honours
to transport said picture to the Infirmary, to be put up in the
Directors' Hall. Which petition, signed by the Petitioner, being
considered by the Council, they grant the desire thereof, and
allow him to put up said picture in the Hall of the Infirmary." *
The portrait, of which a representation is here given, is still in
the custody of the Infirmary Managers, and now hangs in the
treasurer's room in Exchange Street.

The Provost was a merchant carrying on a trade in general
merchandise, and a return of his trade for the year from
Martinmas, 1742, to Martinmas, 1743, shows how the trade of the
burgh had begun to change its direction. Formerly by far the
largest amount of exports went to the Continent through the
staple port of Campvere, but by 1742, chiefly as the result of the
Union, the great bulk of the export trade was to London. The
total value of the exports returned by the Provost for the year
1742-43 was £24,498 Scots, of which £16,426 went to London,
£6,197 to Campvere, £1,215 to Hamburg, and £659 to Leith.
The London goods were carried either by coach or the smack
Unity, while the names of the other vessels include the follow-
ing:— Muckle Jean, Charming Pegie, Codfisher, Speedwell, Indian
Queen, &c.t

* Council Reg., LXIL, 128. tMS. Return.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 223

1740-41.

CIV. Blci*anDei* IRobcrtsoii of (Blasooeoo

(Council He.ij., LX., G54 ; LA'/., 3).

Provost Alexander Robertson was the son of Baillie James
Robertson, either by his first wife, whose name has not been
pkiced in record on the family burying-ground in S. Nicholas
Churchyard, or by his second wife, Jean Ross. The Baillie died
in February, 1730, and his second wife in December, 1739.
Provost Robertson was

born in 1702, and married /Ofi C"~'''v-^ /^ / f.

for his first wife Jean XTlUXand yfoScFm/i
Strachan, by whom he I i

had nine of a family.

Six of these died in infancy — four, viz., John, Helen, Margaret,
and James, having died within the months of November and
December, 1736. The children who reached maturity were —
Elizabeth, born 1727, married Dr. Robert Pollock, Principal and
Professor of Divinity in Marischal College, died 28th November,
1753; Alexander, born in 1732, described as of Blackchambers,
who died 27th September, 1793 ; and Jean, born in 1736,
married Alexander Lumsden, advocate, and died 10th May,
1773. Jean Strachan, the Provost's first wife, died on the 24th
December, 1746, and he thereafter married as his second wife
Jean Rose, of the family of Kilravock, who survived him, having
died on the 8th August, 1784, at the advanced age of eighty-two
years. Provost Robertson died on the 26th November, 1775, in
the seventy-third year of his age.*

On the north side of the Upperkirkgate there still stands the
house built by the Provost for his town residence. Above the
doorway, which enters off Ross's Court, there is an elaborately-
carved slab with the arms of Robertson, the motto, " Robore et
Sapore," flanked by the date 1730, and on a scroll the names of

* Tombstone, S. Nicholas Churchyard,

224 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

the Provost and his wife, Jean Strachan. Douglas, in his " East
Coast," gives the credit to Provost Robertson for the idea of
showing how the public funds might be improved. He says
" the idea of the improvement of the public funds was the more
cherished from a little experiment in agriculture which Alexander
Robertson of Glasgoego, then provost, made a few years before.
He rented an acre and a sixth of ground in the Lochlands, on the
west side of the town, at three pounds ten shillings per whole.
The first crop of grass was of little value, being foul with every
kind of weed, but for three succeeding years the crops were so
luxuriant that, being let in small lots, this little spot brought a
rent of ten pounds sterling annually."

1742-43.

cv. BlcjanDer Bber&ein, ^i\ of Cairnbulo

(Council Eecj., LXL, 84, 122).

Provost Aberdein was a son of Alexander Aberdein of Cairn-
bulg, merchant in Aberdeen, by his wife Elspet Ross, eldest
sister of Provost John Ross (95), and was born in 1710. He
married, in 1739, his cousin, Jean Ross, the youngest daughter
of Provost John Ross, and the issue of this marriage was
an only daugliter, Jean, who married in March, 1761, David
Dairy mple, advocate and Sheriff-Depute of Aberdeenshire. He
was afterwards raised to the bench in 1777, with the title of
Lord Westhall. The Provost's wife died soon after the birth of
her daughter in October, 1740, and his second wife, Mary
Burnett, the second daughter of the laird of Leys, died in March,
1748, as also did her infant son Alexander. The Provost's third
marriage is thus described: — "24th April, 1750. Alexander Aber-
dein of Cairnbulg, late provost of this city, was married at
Montrose to Miss Nelly Carnegie, sister to Sir James Carnegie of
Pitarrow, a young lady of celebrated beauty and distinguished
merit." A son by this marriage, Alexander Aberdein, became a
merchant in Calcutta, and died in England in 1826 in the

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 225

seventy-sixth ye.ar of his age. He was twice married, and the
last survivor of a numerous family, Christian Carnegie Aberdein,
died at London on the 15th February, 1894, aged eighty years.

Provost Aberdein, while still in the prime of life, died on the
24'th June, 1756, in the forty-sixth year of his age. He had
evidently during the course of his public life earned the esteem
and respect of his fellow-burgesses, for in referring to his death
it was remarked that " the -

loss of a member so valuable A —-JmI'JLi.'^
in life is to be felt, not only \^ICC^ ^
among his nearest connections, "^

but persons of distinction, the merchant, the sailor, the trades-
man, and, in short, every man of worth and industry, will long
lament the loss of a gentleman who, with a good heart, had one
of the soundest heads, constantly and usefully employed in the
offices of society, commerce, and hospitality, and who, taken
either in the character of the gentleman or the merchant, was
equal'd but by few of his Time. Let his friends, nevertheless, in
this be comforted that he has left behind him so much honour,
and that good name which he preferred to riches." On the day
of interment the bells in the city began to toll at one o'clock,
while minute guns were fired from S. Catherine's Hill till five
o'clock. The description of the funeral ceremony concludes as
follows : — '■ The pall was supported by six provosts, the present
provost being one of the number, and placed on the right hand
of the chief mourner. Thus attended and accompanied by a
great many gentlemen of distinction in town and county, they
proceeded to the churchyard, where the interment was notified
by a round of nine guns, which closed the doleful ceremony."

The estate and castle of Cairnbulg, which is presently being
restored, was purchased by the Provost's father from Colonel
John Buchan of Auchmacoy in 1739. The arms recorded by the
Aberdein family were gules, a chevron argent, between three
mullets or.

It was during the period from 1740 to 1746 that the infamous

226 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

system of kidnapping was at its height in Aberdeen. The story
has been so often told that it need not be repeated here, although
it may be remarked that the system was encouraged by many of
the prominent citizens who had interests in the vessels trading
to the West Indies. The Rebellion of 1745, and more especially
the public indignation excited by the publication of Peter
Williamson's pamphlet, put an end to the trade. In December,
1743, during the last year of Provost Aberdein's term of office,
the Council had under consideration the style of dress to be
worn by the provost. Their inquiries in the matter showed that
in the principal cities the provost was in the habit of wearing
black velvet clothes, " which the Council judge decent, and that
the chief magistrate of every principall town ought to have a
distinction in their dress, and that black velvet they judge a very
decent habit." The unanimous finding of the Council was there-
fore in favour of the chief magistrate of the city wearing in
future a black velvet suit, " mounted with a gold button or not,
as the provost for the time should incline." This suggestion of
the Council — for, of course, it could have no other meaning — was
acted on only for a very short time.

1744-45.

cvi. James /iCioilson, Jun., of JEIstcft

(Council Beg., LXI., 175, 215, 220).

Provost James Morison was the fifth son of Provost Morison
(100), by his wife Anna Low, and was born in 1708. He married,
probably in 1740, Isobell Dyce, the eldest daughter of James

Dyce of Disblair,

Cy' /^ • c:y merchant in Aber-

^^^^^CfLO~^'XjO/tJcf^' deen. The fam-

ily of this mar-
riage consisted of five sons and eleven daughters. Of the

Lord Provosts of Aherdeeii. 227

sons James and William Augustus died in infancy ; Alexander
served an apprenticeship to James Jopp, afterwards provost, and
died in early life ; * Thomas and George only reaching a ma-
ture age. Thomas was an army surgeon, and served during the
American war, and on his retirement succeeded to his aunt's
property of Disblair, and also bought back the paternal property
of El sick which had been sold. Dr. Thomas Morison is also well
remembered for the interest he took in the medicinal springs at
Strathpeffer, in Ross-shire, the result of his labours being that they
obtained no little repute as the Bath of Scotland. His portrait,
painted by George Watson of Edinburgh still hangs in the
pump-room at the Strath. The younger brother, who survived,
was George, who, entering the ministry, was licensed to preach,
3rd January, 1782, and in the following year settled as minister
at Oyne. Two years later he was translated to Banchory-
Devenick, where, during a long ministry of sixty-one years, he
was held in the highest respect by his parishioners. By the
entail executed by his brother, he succeeded, on his death in
1824, to the estates of Elsick and Disblair. In the same year
Mr. Morison received the degree of D.D., and at his death on
13th July, 1845, when in the sixty-third year of his ministry, he
held the title of "Father of the Church of Scotland." Dr.
Morison's benefactions to the parish of Banchory-Devenick were
on a very liberal scale — a bridge over the Dee for the convenience
of the residenters on the north part of the parish alone cost
£1,400.

Of the Provost's daughters, Helen died unmarried on 2nd
November, 1840, in the 86th year of her age ; Agnes, married,
17th June, 1754, Robert Farquhar of Newhall, merchant in
Aberdeen, and father of Rear- Admiral Sir Arthur Farquhar ;

*In a letter of introduction, dated 30th September, 1772, from William
Young to Charles Donaldson, tobacconist, London, the bearer, young Morison,
is thus described — " This lad does not make any great appearance, but his
capacity, ability, honesty, and good nature far exceeds those that has greater
appearances."

228 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Amelia married the Rev. Dr. Sherrifs, one of the city ministers ;
Jean married Dr. Robert Hamilton, Professor of Mathematics in
Marischal College ; Janet married Dr. Arthur Dingwall Fordyce
of Culsh ; Anne married, first, the Rev. John Farquhar, minister
of Nigg, and, secondly, the Rev. Alexander Mearns, of Towie and
Cluny ; Isobell married James Abercromby of Bellficld, and died
16th May, 1809, in her seventy-sixth year; Mary married Rev.
John Hutcheon, of Fetteresso ; Katherine married the Rev. David
Forbes, of Laurencekirk ; Sophia died in infancy ; and Rachel
died aged seventeen years. Through these various marriages the
descendants of Provost Morison in the third and fourth genera-
tion are now pretty numerous. The Provost's lady died on the
23rd January, 1781, aged sixty-four years, and the Provost
himself on the 5th January, 1786, while he was in the
seventy-eighth year of his age. He was interred in S. Nicholas
Churchyard, where a marble stone underneath the present main
walk preserves the record of the deaths of three generations of
the family. Portraits of Provost Morison are in possession of
Mrs. Miller Morrison of Morrison House, Hetland, and the Rev.
Duncan G. Mearns, Oyne, both of whom are descendants. It
will be observed from the dates given above that Provost Morison
was only thirty-six years of age when he was called upon to fill
the civic chair, and, considering the nature of the times it was
perhaps as well that the troubles connected with the office should
have fallen on a comparatively young man.

So early as the spring of 1741< the Council had presented an
address to the King regarding the information which His Majesty
had communicated to both Houses of Parliament as to a threat-
ened invasion " in favour of a Popish pretender." On the 31st
August, 1745, at a meeting of the Council, held on that day, it
was resolved to put the town in a posture of defence in consider-
ation " that there is ane insurrection in the Highlands." Lists
of all the fencible men, with the number of arms and quantities
of ammunition, were accordingly drawn up, and tlie whole divided
into twelve companies, with officers named and appointed by the

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 229

Council. Sir John CojDe, having mis8cd the rebels in the north,
entered the burgh on the 11th September with over two thousand
men and encamped at the Dove Cot Brae, where Union Terrace
Gardens now are. Two days later Provost Morison convened
the Council for the purpose of informing them that Sir John
Cope had represented to him the necessity of dismantling the
fort at the harbour mouth and taking the cannon south with
him to Edinburgh. A furtlier question as to transporting the
small arms was delayed for consideration until the following day,
when the burgesses should be consulted. At this meeting the
Provost represented that lie had had another conversation with Sir
John Cope, who had made it clear that if the burgesses retained
the arms in the town, and they fell into the hands of the enemy,
" the town would lay themselves obnoxious to the Government,
and made answerable for such conduct." In view of this state-
ment the meeting refused to take the responsibility, and so the
whole small arms, cannon, and ammunition were carried south in
Cope's transports on the 15th September, and the burgh was left
entirely without the means of defence. The 25th September was
the day of the election, and the meeting held in the forenoon for
the choosing of the new Council was not interrupted, and the
usual adjournment till three o'clock was made so as to enable the
old and new Council to meet for the election of the office-bearers for
the ensuing year. The meeting had, however, scarcely dispersed
before John Hamilton, chamberlain to the Duke of Gordon, along
with a company of foot and horse, occupied the town, being joined
by many of the citizens who had waited for such an opportunity
to declare themselves. Having obtained possession of the keys
of the Market Cross, a detachment was sent in search of Provost
Morison, who onl}^ appeared on the visit of a second party with
orders to burn his house, unless he delivered himself up. Find-
ing himself in such a dilemma, the Provost had no other course
open but to comply, and he was accordingly " carried down pri-
soner, with drawn swords and other weapons, to the town-house."
Having by this time laid hands on other two of the Magistrates,

230 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

and one or two members of the Council, the rebels made them
ascend to the platform on the top of the cross, when James
Petrie, Sheriff- Substitute of Aberdeen, read the manifestos
of the Pretender, and thereafter he was toasted as James VIII.
Not content with pledging the Pretender themselves, they
endeavoured to make the Provost drink also, but he firmly re-
sisted, and, as the next best thing, they poured the wine down
his breast. Provost Morison's own account of the proceedings is
given in a letter which he addressed to Lord President Forbes on
the 10th October, 1745 : — " On the 25th past, I was seized upon
by an armed party of Highlandmen, violently forced down to
the cross, and there, with some broadswords over ray head, I
was obliged to stand till their proclamation was read ; and
because I refused to drink a health they proposed, I had a glass
of wine spilt down my breast — in so far they got what they
aimed at, but sure it was no advantage to their cause. I hope I
shall ever esteem it my greatest honour, as Providence shall give
me opportunity, to be equally faithful in the discharge of my
duty in my station under the present happy establishment."
The President replied on the 19th of the same month as
follows : — " The usage you met with at your cross and your
resolute behaviour I had formerly heard ; nor need you doubt
that it shall be properly represented in due time. The dis-
continuance of your election is what you could not help under
the then circumstances. The good people must at present
live in the most neighbourly way they can, as none, I believe,
would choose to act." It was doubtless the resolute stand
which Provost Morison made at the cross on the day of
the election that earned for him the sobriquet of " Provost
Positive." President Forbes was not far wrong when he believed
that none would care to accept office as councillors, for the Pro-
vost, and several other members of the former Council took the
earliest opportunity to quit the burgh, the management of
which fell into the hands of Lord Lewis Gordon, Lord-Lieutenant
of Aberdeen and Banff, who held it for Prince Charles, appoint-

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 231

ing William Moir of Loniiuay as Deputy-Lieutenant and Governor
of Aberdeen.

The occupation of the burgh by the rebel forces continued
until February, 1746, when the approach of the Duke of Cumber-
land's army made them go further north, until the final stand
was made at Culloden on the IGth April. Cumberland arrived
in the city on the 27th February, two days after the rebels
quitted it, and among the first acts which he did was to place the
burgh under the management of twelve citizens, among whom the
name of Provost Morison appears, along with that of other five
ex-provosts. During a stay extending over a period of six weeks
the Duke was made much of by the citizens, and was enrolled a
free burgess of the burgh. After Culloden, the governors whom
Cumberland had appointed transmitted a petition to the King
praying that a royal warrant should be issued for a new election
of magistracy, so that the government of the burgh might be
put on a proper footing. The Privy Council, however, to whom
the petition was referred, ordained the proceedings at the election
of Michaelmas, 1745, to be taken up at the point where they
were interrupted, and so on the 9th July, 1746, the old and new
Council met at three o'clock in the afternoon and elected office-
bearers in the usual manner as if no interregnum of nine months
had taken place.

Thus ended the rebellion of 1745 so far as the burgh was
concerned, and the lists recently published, containing the names
of those who were " out in the '45," show clearly that the rising
was not countenanced, so far as the towns were concerned, by
many of the burgess class. On the day of the election the old
and new Council unanimously agreed that the burgess ticket of
the Duke of Cumberland should be drawn out " in the genteelest
form " and forwarded to His Royal Highness in a gold box of
the best fashion, and this was accordingly done at the cost of the
Guildry funds.*

*Cf. Historical Papers, I., XXXV.

232 Memorials of tJie Aldermen, Provosta, and

1746-47.

103. WILLIAM CHALMERS

(Council Reg., LXL, 238, 304).

During these years, there was a movement set on foot for the
union of King's and Marischal Colleges, in which the Council
took considerable interest. While perfectly willing that such a
union should take place, the Council's consent was given on the
express condition that the seat of the University was to be
situated in the burgh, and not in the Old Town. The Council
stated five reasons for this course, the last of which may be
quoted as, perhaps, comprehending the other four : — " 5th — The
town of Aberdeen looks upon it as a considerable addition to its
lustre and dignity to have a University situate in the heart of
the town, where the provost, baillies, and councill had such a
great interest and concern, and where the inhabitants' children
can be taught under the inspection of their parents at a very
small expence."

In April, 1747, the Council made a representation to Govern-
ment for payment of the cannon and arms taken south by Sir
John Cope, as also for reparation on account of the damage done
to Robert Gordon's Hospital while occupied by Cumberland's
troops ; and in this they were successful, for Provost Chalmers
was able some six months later to report that an order had been
received for payment of the full sum claimed.

1748-49.

104. ALEXANDER ROBERTSON of Glasgoego,

(Council Bey., LXL, 355, 415).

1750-51.

cvii. aiexan&er Xtvinastone ot Countesswells

(Council Beg., LXL, 490, 569).

Provost Livingstone was the second son of Baillie Alexander
Livingstone of Fornet, in the parish of Skene, by his wife,

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 233

Margaret Symson, who died on the 27th May, 1721, aged
twenty-nine. Baillie Livingstone died on the 8th July, 1733,
aged fifty-two years. The Provost, who was admitted a bur-
gess on 22nd September, 1730, was twice married, his first
wife being a daughter of Dr. Hugh Kennedy, while his second
wife was a daughter of John Hardie, merchant in Aberdeen. By
these marriages the Provost left issue. He appears to have at
one time carried on business as a merchant in Rotterdam, where
he acquired a considerable fortune. On returning to his native
city, he invested part of his wealth in the lands of Countesswells,
which he purchased in 1750, besides which he feued from the
Town Council two years later part of the lands of Gilcomston,
know'n as the sixth lot, and comprehending the district where
Beechgrove Ter-
race and White-
hall Road are
now situated.
In the same
3'ear as he feued

these lands, he, along with several others, started a linen manu-
factory at the Porthill. The partners of the Porthill Company
(afterwards Milne, Cruden, & Co.), besides the Provost, were
John Dingwall, William Mackenzie, Alexander Milne, jun., and
Andrew Walker. Having secured a piece of ground at the Port-
hill, they erected a building for the purposes of the manufactory,
which still stands at the Gallowgate entrance to Seamount Place.
The concerns of this Company went from bad to worse, with the
result that about 1764 the whole of the Provost's estate had to
be realised to pay his creditors.

The arms borne by the Provost were argent, three cinquefoils,
gules within a double tressure counter-flory vert, in the fess
point a cross, crosslet fitch^e sable.

During the period of office under review, the Council had
under consideration a proposal by one John Gorsach, asking
permission to open a coal mine on the lands of Torry, held by
31

234 Memorials of the Alderinen, Provosts, and

the town as trustees for various mortifications. Negotiations
took place, and a settlement was arrived at by which Gorsach
agreed to take a lease of three nineteen years of all coals and
metals on the lands in question, to work the same at his own
charges, and, in name of rent, to give the Council one-twelfth of
all metals and one-fourteenth of coals.* No further reference is
made to the subject in the Council Register, and it is to be
feared that the project was never carried out, although the
Council do not appear to have given up the idea of getting
coal in the immediate neighbourhood of the town. Some ten
years later they bore, mutually with the Governors of Robert
Gordon's Hospital, the cost of sinking a shaft on the lands of
Findon, in the belief that coal could be found there. A more
extended knowledge of the geology of the district made it
apparent that the search was of necessity a futile one. The
Council, under Provost Livingstone, carried out great improve-
ments at the Town-House, and practically constructed the
building as it appeared during the early part of the present
century, and which is so familiar to us from the prints of
Castle Street of that date. Another matter which occupied
the attention of the Council at this time was the providing
and retailing of meal for the citizens. A succession of bad
harvests had again brought famine very near to the homes
of the poorer section of the burgesses, and it was only by
the intervention of the Council that a sufficient supply of meal
at reasonable charges could be obtained. In carrying out the
work connected with the purchase and distribution of the meal,
Provost Livingstone appears to have made many enemies, and to
have displeased a large party in the Council. On the 1st October,
1753, James Smith, saddler, and late deacon-convener of the
Incorporated Trades, was charged with injuring Livingstone's
character by stating publicly in the street that the Provost was
the principal cause of the high price of meal in 1752. A jury

* Council Reg., LXI., 498.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 235

was empanelled at ten o'clock at night, and gave their verdict the
follow ins: niorninc: at the same hour as follows : — " We all with
one voice find it proven that Provost Livingstone concurred with
the Town Council of Aberdeen in every measure taken by them
for providing the city with meal, and that he retailed meal of his
own cheaper than what it was given in town during the last
year's dearth, and find the injurious expression uttered by the
said James Smith, in presence of John Copland, proven as
libelled." * After such a finding, the only course open to the ex-
convener was to appear at the bar and publicly beg the Provost's
pardon, which he did, and was thereupon dismissed. The action
and the finding caused considerable talk in the town, and some
injudicious reflections made by the Aberdeen Journal regarding
the trial was the occasion of a copy of the paper containing the
obnoxious remarks being burned at the cross, by the hands of
the hangman, in virtue of an order of the Court.

1752-53.

106. JAMES MORISON, Jun., of Elsick

(Council Bey., LXL, 650; LXII, 5).

At the Michaelmas election in 1752, the feeling against
Livingstone was very strong, so much so that one half of the
Council refused to take any part in the election. The Council,
as already indicated, consisted of nineteen members, but one of
the number was abroad at the time of the election, and the
remaining eighteen were equally divided for and against the
policy carried out by Livingstone, and by their staying away no
election by a majority could take place. The intention, evidently,
of the opposition was to force a compromise and get an arrange-
ment of terms with the opposite party, but in this they were
disappointed, for Livingstone, by the aid of a notary, summoned

* Aberdeen Journal.

236 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

them to the election, proceeded with it in their absence, and
placed Morison in the chair as provost. No sooner was the elec-
tion completed than a summons of reduction was raised by the
opposing faction on the ground that the election was not valid,
while a counter action was raised by the provost's party against
the remaining members of the Council for wilfully absenting
themselves, and for a time it seemed that a most unseemly
wrangle would take place in the law courts. Better councils,
however, prevailed, and both sections accepted the Earl of
Findlater as arbiter, with the result that he managed to reconcile
parties, the mutual processes were discharged, and the election
held as good. A memento probably of this incident in the civic
history of the burgh is the couple of portraits of the earl and his
countess which hung for long in the Council Chamber, and are
now placed in the Town and County Hall. The earl also, in
his capacity of Vice-Admiral of Scotland, conferred several
benefits on the city, which entitled him to the gratitud-e of the
burgesses.

1754-55.

cviii. Milllani ^owat of Colpna^

(Council Reg., LXIL, 42, 94).

Provost Mowat was in all probability the eldest son of
William Mowat, merchant, and was admitted a burgess on 25th
September, 1722. A relation of the Provost's was George
Mowat, at one time Dean of Guild, who died on the 4th
February, 1757, aged eighty-three years, and of whom it was
remarked that, "as he dealt in a fair trade, he died in a fair
Q character." Provost Mowat

\XJ . /)/? ^ was married to Jane Osborn,

' ' t4X4JXJrr\^ ^— -^^^OTAXQy^/ ^ daughter of Principal John

Osborn, of Marischal College.
She died at Shannaburn on the 17th March, 1786. Of the

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 237

iiiiirriaire there were at least three sons — William, who was
admitteil as an "infant" burgess on 21st September, 1742 ; John,
admitted 23rd September, 1746 ; and Andrew, admitted 23rd
September, 1755.

The Provost, in a return of his trade for the year from
Michaelmas, 1742, to Michaelmas, 1743, stated it at £1,375
sterling, the details of which show clearly how the burgh was
fast losing its commercial connection with the Low Countries, and
forming a new trade with London. For goods sold at home, the
return gives only £120 10s., while £1,110 was the value exported
to London, from whence goods to the value of £81 were im-
ported, while the balance is made up of £63 10s. imports from
Holland. Besides his business, the Provost was one of the
originators of the first bank in Aberdeen, which was floated
somewhere about 1752, but the concern was never a success, and
seems to have been the cause of ruin to more than one of the
partners. There are sufficient indications that the firm of
William Mowat & Co. lost credit about the time of the dis-
continuance of the bank, and that the embarrassment of the firm
continued for some considerable time thereafter.

During Provost Mowat's term of office several important
measures were before the Council, including, among others, a
renewal of the negotiations for a union of the Colleges into one
University. The matter was one in which the Earl of Findlater
took some interest, and the crucial point of the whole question,
viz., wliere the seat of the University should be located, was
referred to him, with the result that he gave a deliverance in
favour of it being in the burgh, as against the opposing claim for
its location at King's College, in Old Aberdeen. No progress
towards a settlement, however, appears to have been made. The
finishing and re-opening, on the 9th November, 1755, of the
West Church of S. Nicholas also occupied the consideration of the
Council, nearly thirty years having elapsed since the old nave
had been allowed to fall into a ruinous condition, and rendered
unfit for worship.

238 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1756-57.

104. ALEXANDER ROBERTSON of Glasgoego

(Council Beg., LXIL, 142, 177).

The principal work carried out by the Council during these
years was the erection of a new Grammar School a little to the
west of the old school in Schoolhill, on the site now occupied by
Gray's School of Art. The building then erected was the school
of Byron, Beattie, and many other celebrated persons. During
these two years also the city was equipped with one of the best
hostelrics between this and Edinburgh. The New Inn was built
by the Mason Lodge of Aberdeen on ground feued from the
Council in Castle Street for the purpose of providing a first-
class inn, and also accommodation for the meetings of the
Society.

1758-59.

cix. jobn Duncan ot /TOosstoun

(Coiuicil Ee(j., LXIL, 226, 266).

Provost Duncan was the second son of William Duncan,
baker burgess, who died 18th December, 1752, by his wife
Euphemia Kirkwood, who died 1st October, 1740. The Provost
was himself admitted as a craftsman of the baker trade on 4th
September, 1742, and five years later, on 15th August, 1747, he

was admitted a burgess of
Guild. He married (contract
^LLtZ.CjCLf%^ of marriage, 21st September,
1747) Margaret Wight, and had
issue one son and three daughters — William, who died in London,
7th September, 1772 ; Euphemia, who gave up her father's will
on 4th February, 1799 ; Helen, married on 3rd October, 1787, to

JOHN DUNCAN

OF MOSSTOUN.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 239

the Rev. Gilbert Gerard, minister of the English Church at
Amsterdam, and afterwards Professor of Divinity at King's
College ; and Elizabeth, who died at Old Aberdeen in December,
1832. Provost Duncan died at his house in Old Aberdeen on the
20th December, 1798, in the eightieth year of his age, and his
widow died on 21st June, 1802, aged eighty-four years.

On the death of Miss Gerard, of Old Aberdeen, a grand-
daughter of the Provost, about ten years ago, a series of five
portraits were given by her executor to the Town Council of Old
Aberdeen, and these have latterly come into the possession of
the Town Council of Aberdeen. Two of the portraits represent
the Provost as a boy, and again, while in office, if we judge from
the black velvet coat in which he is attired, and is that from
which the accompanying representation is taken, while the other
three paintings represent the Provost's wife and his father and
mother.

The Provost at one time lived in a house on the south side
of the Upperkirkgate, which he built for himself, but latterly he
seems to have made his residence in Old Aberdeen. He had
also a country house on the estate of Drumside, Belhelvie, which,
along with Blairton and Hopeshill in the same parish, he held at
the time of his death. The estate of Mosstoun, in the parish of
Logie-Buchan, Duncan held for a short time only, as he acquired
it in 1761 from Margaret Innes, wife of Richard Surridge, of
Dublin, and sold it in 1767 to Peter Gordon of Ballaterach, and
Charles Gordon, his only son, in which family it remained till
1896. A John Duncan, of Aberdeen, most probably the Provost,
recorded arms (no date) as follows : — Gules, a chevron between a
saltire, inter two talbots' heads collared in chief, and a sinister
hand in base couped argent ; a mullet for difference.

As an example of how different the shipping of a century ago
was from that of the present day, it may be mentioned that
during Duncan's tenure of office the Council had to assert their
rights to the anchorage and landing dues of vessels discharging
at Donmouth.

240 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1760-61.
ex. MilUam H)av>iDson

(Council Reg., LXIL, 292, 319).

Provost Davidson, like so many of those who filled the civic
chair, was a merchant in the burgh, and was born in the closing
years of the seventeenth century, and seems to be the same
person who was admitted a burgess on 7th August, 1745, upon
payment of a modified composition, in respect he had married

the daughter of a

^4/i^^S/ /^ burgess. By his

///^ 0 <^t t^l^ d ^>^^ marriage with Violet

^^^, fir ' iiL-. , — — T^ Robertson he had the

following children : —
Jean, the eldest daughter, married on 11th February, 1765,
Andrew Robertson, younger of Pitmillan ; Elizabeth, married
in 1767 to Alexander Innes of Breda and Cowie, advocate,
became the mother of James Hadden, afterwards provost, and
died 8th July, 1795, aged forty-eight years ; Hannah, the
3'oungest, married on 26th February, 1792, Dr. Alexander
Robertson of Hazlehead, and died on the 8th February, 1826, in
the seventy-sixth year of her age ; James, designed of Midmar,
who died unmarried, 26th January, 1777, aged thirty-one years ;
and Helen, married in 1769 to Alexander Carnegie, town clerk.
Provost Davidson died on the 3rd May, 1765, after a tedious
illness, in his sixty-seventh year, admired for " the strict in-
tegrity which he maintained unblemished, his sincerity and
warmth in friendship, and his regularity in religious and vir-
tuous practice, which procured for him the love of those who
knew him while he lived, and make his death to be regretted."*
Mrs. Davidson survived her husband for many years, having
died on the 23rd December, 1790, in the seventy-seventh year
of her age.

* Aherdetn Journal.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 241

On the day of Davidson's election the double Council, which
elected the office-bearers for the year, passed the following
resolution : — " The said day the double Council taking under
their consideration the frequent proposals formerly made that
the Magistrates of this city should wear some proper badge of
distinction, so that their office should be known on all occa-
sions, they therefore unanimously agreed that the Provost should
wear a gold chain in the same form with that of the Lord
Provost of Edinburgh ; and appointed the Dean of Guild to
provide the same. And the double Council statute and ordained
that the said gold chain shall be worn by all succeeding pro-
vosts, and the Council further ordain that in case it's agreeable
to the other Magistrates, that they be provided with gold
chains also in the same form with those of the Magistrates of
Edinburgh."

The proposal was carried out only as regards the provost,
when the present chain worn by the Lord Provost was purchased
at a cost to the Dean of Guild's Casualty Fund of £47 7s.

1762-63.

109. JOHN DUNCAN of Mosstoun

(Council Re(j., LXII., 346, 365).

1764-65.

CXI. (Beorcje Sbant)

(Council Beg., LXIIL, 22, 39).

Provost Shand came of a family, the heads of which during
the two previous generations had been ministers of the Church
of Scotland. His grandfather was John Shand, minister at
Premnay (167 -1704), while the Provost was one of three
children born to James Shand, minister at Kintore (1718-26),
32

242 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

by his wife, Barbara Leith. Provost Shand appears to have twice
married, his first wife being Jean Marr, a daughter of David Marr,
merchant in Aberdeen. After her death, on the 30th September,
1767, he married Margaret Gordon, the second daughter of Sir

Francis Gordon of Lesmoir.
-^^ /7 ^v , ^X / -^ tablet to her memory is

(j^J^<J' U>rL^^yn^ erected on the east wall of
/I the vault of the Gordons

'* of Kinellar, in the church-

yard of Fraserburgh.* Provost Shand died at Aberdeen on the
14th of October, 1792.

During the last year of office, viz., in 1766, the Council had
under consideration the question of obtaining an additional
supply of water for the burgh, and after various schemes had
been submitted for their consideration, it was resolved to tap
several additional springs at Gilcomston, and bring the water
into a reservoir to be erected in Broad Street. The old water-
house situated there is still a characteristic " bit " in the archi-
tecture of that thoroughfare.

1766-67.

109. JOHN DUNCAN of Mosstoun
(Council Reg., LXIIL, 61, 86).

During these two years the Council projected an improve-
ment in the accesses to the harbour by forming Marischal Street,
which necessitated the removal of two very interesting houses —
Marischal's Lodging, the town house of the Earl Marischal, and
Pitfoddel's Lodging, the " stane house " of the Menzies' family,
erected in 1530 or thereby.

During 1768 a scarcity of victual produced the usual distress,
and there were several serious " meal " riots, which had to be
suppressed by military force.

* Surname of Shand.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 243

1768-69.
cxii. Raines 3opp of Cotton

(Council lh(j., LXIIL, 114, 136).

Provost James Jopp was a native of the Garioch, and a tomb-
stone in the parish churchyard of Insch records the deaths of
his immediate forbears. The inscription on the tombstone is to
the effect that James Jopp, feuar in Insch, departed this life in
August, 1672, and that " Here lyes Andrew Jopp, sometime
merchant in Insch, who
died February 26th,
17-2, aged 67 j-ears, and

I / -z, ageu u/ years, auu £ ly / /y // /t y

his children, Alexander, K,^^ C^^fh JU^ ^6^

Andrew, and Mary
Jopp."* This Andrew,
merchant at Insch, is

believed to have been the father of the Provost. Provost Jopp was
born in 1721, and on the 27th August, 1744, he was admitted a
burgess of Guild of Aberdeen. He married, in 1751, Jean Moir,
second daughter of Rev. George Moir, latterly in Kintore, by his
wife Jean Forbes. The issue of this marriage was the following
children : — James, who succeeded to the estate of Cotton, and sold
it in 1797 ; Alexander, described as of Kingston, in Jamaica, who
died on the 26th January, 1798 ; Nancy, who died unmarried on
the 18th December, 1796 ; Jean, born in 1755, married 24th
January, 1799, to Gavin Young, merchant in London, and died
in 1836 ; Jessie, married on 10th April, 1795, to John Barnes of
East Finchley, Middlesex, and died the 15th November, 1848 ;t
and Andrew, advocate in Aberdeen, designed of Elmhill, who
died the 9th June, 1829, aged sixty years.

The Provost carried on business as a wine and cloth merchant,
and appears to have made a considerable fortune, with part of

* Epitaphs and Inscriptions, I., 21. t Houses of Moir and Byres, 15.

244 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

which he purchased in 1776 the lands of Cotton, near Aberdeen,
from Lady Diana Middleton. Provost Jopp died on the 7th
July, 1794, in the seventy-third year of his age, and was interred
in S. Nicholas Churchyard. Mrs. Jopp predeceased her husband,
having died on the 18th March, 1782, aged fifty-two years. The
character of the Provost is summed up in the following obituary
notice : — " He for many years filled the office of chief magistrate
of this city with much benefit to the community and credit to
himself ; by unremitting attention to business, joined to the
strictest probity and honour, he acquired an ample fortune. He
was a tender and affectionate parent, a steadfast friend, and an
agreeable companion. He lived respected and died lamented by
a numerous acquaintance."

James Jopp, the eldest son of the Provost, recorded arms in
1796 as follows — gules, a garb or, on a chief argent, a ship in
full sail on a sea proper.

During Provost Jopp's tenure of office the Council took action
to remove a cause of complaint which had been of long standing,
and had come before them on more than one occasion. This was
the removal of the three remaining ports of the burgh, viz., the
Netherkirkgate, Gallowgate, and Justice Ports. These ancient
gateways had become a great obstruction to vehicular traffic, and
the Council, recognising this, ordered the demolition of the two
last-named ports at once, and the removal of the Netherkirkgate
port, if at all practicable. The difficulties in the way, however,
prevented the removal of the latter port at that time, and it was
not taken down until 1793.

In 1769 an important alteration took place in the holding of
burgh property, which was so far a concession to the progressive
spirit of the times. Prior to this date, all heritable property,
including the salmon fishings in Dee and Don, could only be
held by the heirs male of the last possessor, thus necessitating
the transfer by sale when the heir was a female. In this
year, however, the Council agreed, on payment of certain
compositions, to grant new charters of the various properties

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 245

to be held of heirs whomsoever, and not a few of the town's
vassals took advantacje of the concession.

1770-71.

111. GEORGE SHAND

(Council Reg., LXIIL, 171, 189).

During these years the Council were busy with schemes for
the improvement of the harbour, and for this purpose they con-
sulted Smeaton, the engineer, and obtained from him a report
suggesting certain improvements. Application was made also
at this time to Government that they should erect a barracks
in the city, to the building of which the Council offered stones,
lime, and a pipe of water, besides providing a site, but this
generous offer on the part of the city authorities did not meet
with much approval at headquarters, for it was nearly twenty
years before any action was taken. In view of the large trade
carried on at the port at the present time by trawling vessels,
it is interesting to find that in 1771 the Town Council voted the
sum of ten guineas as an encouragement to a fisherman from
Hartlepool who was then attempting to establish in the burgh
trawl fishing for flat fish.

1772-73.

112. JAMES JOPP OF Cotton
(Council Reg., LXIIL, 204; LXIV., 1).

The improvements at the harbour had now taken definite
shape, and a bill was promoted in Parliament to enable the works
to be carried out. The bill, which received the Royal assent on
1st April, 1773, was the first of many Harbour Acts, and is
intituled, " An Act for deepening, cleansing, and making more
commodious the Harbour of Aberdeen ; for erecting new Piers
and Quays therein ; and for regulating Ships and Vessels trading
into, and going out of the said Harbour." Although these new

246 Memorials of the Aldermeyi, Provosts, and

works involved the expenditure of large sums of money, it is
evident that great care was exercised over the spending of it, if
we judge from the fact that in 1772 the usual gratuity of a
guinea to the trumpeter at the Circuit Court was withdrawn on
the ground of being a gross misapplication of the town's funds.
A new survey and plan of the town was prepared in 1773 by
Messrs. Taylor & Skinner, for which the Council voted them a
gratuity of twenty guineas.

It was during his occupancy of the chair for this term that
the Provost, on the 23rd August, 1773, had the privilege of
presenting Dr. Samuel Johnson with the freedom of the city,
and, according to Boswell, he performed the ceremony " with a
very good grace." The lexicographer himself refers to the occa-
sion in the following terms : — " On Monday we were invited into
the Town Hall, where I had the freedom of the city given me by
the Lord Provost. The honour conferred had all the decorations
that politeness could add, and, what I am afraid I should not
have had to say of any city south of the Tweed, I found no petty
officer bowing for a fee."

1774-75.

cxiii. HDam Duff

(Council Reg., LXIV., 45, 65).

Provost Adam Duff was a grandson of Alexander DufF of
Keithmore, and one of twenty-three children born to Patrick
Duff of Craigston, who died in 1731, by his second spouse Mary

Urquhart. He was admitted
a member of the merchant
guild on 1st August, 1744, and

* / / i?"^/ "3557' paid dues as an extranean.

So far as ascertained, the
Provost was unmarried at his
death, which occurred in Aberdeen during the last week of
November, 1795. The Provost's brother. Admiral Robert Duff,

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 247

was the irreat-efrandfatlier of the late Sir Robert William Duff of
Fetteresso.

The arms borne by tlie Duffs of Craigston were, vert, a fess
daucetty ermine between a hart's head cabossed in chief and
two escallops in base or.

In 1775 that portion of Queen Street lying between Broad
Street and Lodge Walk was laid out by Provost Jopp, the
Council contributing the sum of six hundred pounds to the
scheme as the price of the property in Broad Street requiring to
be removed. During the same year the heads of a proposed
Police Bill were under consideration of the Council, but nothing
definite was done.

The circulation of paper money by various private firms had
apparently become a great source of annoyance and loss to the
community, and a public meeting of the gentlemen of the city
and county was held in 1775, at which Provost Shand was
chairman, to consider the best means to be taken to warn the
general public. An advertisement was, by order of the meeting,
inserted in the newspapers to warn the public, with the result
that Messrs. George Kellar & Co., of Glasgow, felt themselves
aggrieved, and raised an action against Shand for destroying
their credit. The Council, on consideration of the circumstances,
resolved to bear the cost of defending the action, since the
ex-provost had acted in good faith for the good of the whole
community.

1776-77.

112. JAMES JOPP OF Cotton
(Council Beg., LXIV., 88, 108).

The outbreak of the American War was the occasion for a
great outburst of loyalty, which appears to have been received
rather coldly in official quarters. In 1776 the Town Council
offered a bounty of two guineas to seamen who volunteered for
service, and two years later they made an offer to the Govern-
ment to raise a body of men on certain conditions, one of which

248 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

was that the regiment should be called the Aberdeen Volunteers,
but the offer was declined. The Council thereafter formulated a
scheme for enrolling and arming all the able-bodied citizens as a
regiment for defence in case of the town being invaded. This
project was, however, highly disapproved by General Oughten,
then Commander-in-Chief for Scotland, and the Council had
reluctantly to call in the arms which had already been dis-
tributed to a section of the burgesses. It is highly probable that
Government did not think it quite a safe proceeding to arm the
burgesses of a city like Aberdeen at such a time, when a diversion
might have been made in the Highlands and have led to serious
consequences.

1778-79.

cxiv. Milliam llJouno of SbcDDocI^sle^

(Conncil Reg., LXIV., 145, 175).

Provost William Young was the eldest son of James Young,
stocking manufacturer, by his second wife Rachel Cruickshank.
He was born on the 25th September, 1736, and on the 26th
September, 1738, while only two years of age, was admitted a

guild brother, or, as it was
termed in such cases, " an in-
fant burgess." At the age of
C?C'*^'Tt ^ twenty-two he was admitted

a partner in his father's busi-
ness, in which he had received
his commercial training, and
the firm was known as James and William Young. The Provost
was three times married, and left issue by the first two mar-
riages. His first wife was Margaret Douglas, eldest daughter
of John Douglas of Tilwhilly and Mary Arbuthnott, to whom
he was married on the 17th September, 1767. She died in child-
bed on the 27th August, 1772, aged thirty-three years, ha%4ng
borne to the Provost two sons, besides two daughters who died
in infancy — James, born the 5th August, 1771, and John, born

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 249

26th August, 1772, died 12th August, 1887, aged sixty-five years.
Provost Young married for his second wife, on the 22nd July,
1781, Mary Anderson, only surviving daughter of Patrick Ander-
son of Bourtie, by his wife Elizabeth Ogilvie. The issue of this
marriage was a son, Patrick, who died in 1787, a few days after
his birth ; Elizabeth, married on 7th January, 1807, to John Leith
Ross of Arnage ; Rachel, acquired Sheddocksley, married George
Gordon of Buxburn, and died 16th May, 1873, in her ninetieth
year ; Jane, married Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Black, of H.E.I.
Company's Bengal Native Cavalry ; Mary, who died unmarried
on 6th February, 1863, aged seventy-five years ; and Williamiua,
who married John Abercrombie, surgeon, and died in 1883.
Mary Anderson died on the 14th January, 1794, aged forty-seven
years. The Provost's third wife, whom he married on the 6th
August, 1795, was Catherine Leslie, the eldest daughter of George
Leslie, merchant in Aberdeen, by his wife Catherine Irvine. She
survived her husband, having died on the 14th March, 1831, aged
eighty-four years, while the Provost's death took place at his
house in the Correction Wynd on the 28th November, 1814, at
the age of seventy-eight years.

Provost Young, besides taking a keen interest in his own
business, also took an active part in encouraging different
branches of trade likely to prove beneficial to his native city.
One of these concerns, viz., the Commercial Banking Company
of Aberdeen, was established in the autumn of 1788, and during
the forty-six years of its existence was one of the most prosper-
ous of the Scotch banks. The average yearly profit from this
business was not less than twenty-eight and a half per cent.

1780-81.
112. JAMES JOPP OF Cotton
(Council Reg., LXIV., 207, 226).

During these years there was a foreshadowing of the desire
for an improved access to the burgh from the south, and the
33

250 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

scheme proposed at this time was to join Castle Street and the
Green by a new street running over the crest of S. Catherine's
Hill, which it was proposed should be partly lowered so as not
to make the levels too steep. Happily this proposal never got
beyond a suggestion, for had effect been given to it at this time,
the more liberal policy which devised Union Street and King
Street would never have been carried out, for the difficulties in
the way of a second improvement would have rendered such a
scheme practically impossible.

1782-83.

114. WILLIAM YOUNG of Sheddocksley

(Council Reg., LXV., 4, 34).

1784-85.

cxv. MilUam CruDen

(Council Beg., LXV., 58, 99).

Provost Cruden was a son of William Cruden, junior, mer-
chant in Aberdeen, and his wife Anna Phaans, a daughter of
Convener William Phaans. The marriage took place on the
30th June, 1720, and among the cautioners for the bridegroom
appears the name of Baillie William Cruden, who is supposed
to have been closely related to the Provost's father, probably his
uncle. This Baillie William Cruden was the father of Alexander

Cruden, the author of the
yj//^ J y ^ well - known book, " A

Wl ((cCtm 0'r<'i <X^ ^^ Complete Concordance to

the Holy Scriptures," first
published in 1787. Provost Cruden was born in 1726, and
married for his first wife Katherine Murdoch, who bore to him
four sons and two daughters, all of whom died young. On the
death of his first wife on the 13th August, 1758, aged forty years,
he married in the following year for his second spouse Elizabeth
Farquharson, a daughter of Thomas Farquharson, merchant in

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 251

Aberdeen, by whom he had two children — William, for some
time a captain in the Tower Hamlets Regiment of Militia, and
Elizabeth, who died unmarried, at Westburn, on 16th November,
18-10, in her eightieth year. Mrs. Criiden died very suddenly on
the 28th March, 1790, aged tifty-nine years. She attended the
morning service in church as usual, but took ill in her pew, from
whence she was carried home, and died the same evening. The
Provost was in Edinburgh, but was able to be back in time for
the funeral, which, an eye-witness tells us, was conducted with
great pomp, " bells tolling and minute guns firing at the Castle-
hill, for," says the same person, " she died unusually regrated."*
Provost Cruden died on the 23rd December, 1807, aged eighty-
one years. A younger brother of the Provost's was the
Reverend David Cruden, D.D., who was minister of Nigg for the
long period of fifty-seven years.

The subject of burgh reform came prominently before the
Council during the above two years. A committee of burgesses
was formed, and they applied to the Council for certain
privileges, among others that a statement of the public monies
received and expended should be given, and the right of
inspection of the public records. The incidence of the taxations
was likewise a question which attracted the attention of the
committee, and they addressed a memorial to the Board of
Taxers on this subject, which the Town Council characterised as
a " contrivance to create and stir up groundless jealousy, division,
and discontent among the citizens," and in consequence they did
nothing.

1786.

112. JAMES JOPP OF Cotton

(Council Beg., LXV., 150).

At the Michaelmas election of this year Jopp, in his absence,
was chosen provost for another term of two years, but he refused

* Descendants of James Young and Rachel Cruickshank, 1894, 241.

252 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

to act. The reason stated by him was that his health was far
from good, and that consequently the right performance of the
duties of the office could not be carried out by him. There are
indications, besides, that he had differences with the majority of
the Council regarding- abuses in connection with many of the
town's public works, as also on the question of the expenditure
incurred by the Council in various ways. Provost Jopp having
adhered to his resolution not to act, the Council nominated the
senior baillie, John Abercrombie, to act in his place till an elec-
tion should be made, which was not till the next Michaelmas
meeting in 1787.

1787-88.

cxvi. 5ob5t Bbercrombie, junior

(Council Reg., LXV., 194; LXVL, 15).

Provost John Abercrombie was the third son of the Rev.
Robert Abercrombie, minister of the parish of Leslie (1720-51)
by his wife Margaret, a daughter of the Rev. Alexander Toasch,
at one time minister of Tarland. It is understood that the

Provost's family was
/>» «</x ^ . /.\ descended from the

• ^/O-e^^am^^ house of Birkenbog,

known during the
sixteenth century as of Pitmedden. There was a large family
at the manse of Leslie, viz., six sons and five daughters,
and while some of the sons entered the ministry, John came
to Aberdeen and started in business as a stocking manu-
facturer. The Provost was born in 1729, and on 25th January,
1771, he married Catherine Forbes, the eldest daughter of
William Forbes, coppersmith in Aberdeen, by his wife Janet
Dyce. There were born of this marriage four sons and two
daughters : — Robert, merchant in Aberdeen, died unmarried, 9th
April, 1843 ; William, for several years in the East India Com-
pany's navy, and afterwards a merchant in London, married and

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 253

had issue ; John, at one time surgeon, 2nd Dragoon Guards,
born March, 1778, married, 29th April, 1816, Williamina
Young, fifth daughter of Provost William Young (114), and
died 3rd April, 1860 ; Alexander, merchant in Aberdeen, died
unmarried in 1866 ; Janet, married on 19th November, 1792,
to Alexander Dingwall, afterwards of Rannieston, merchant
and postmaster of Aberdeen, and died in March, 1852 ; and
Margaret, married to Andrew Jopp, advocate in Aberdeen. Mrs,
Abercrombie died in September, 1785, and the Provost in June,
1820, aged ninety-one years. A portrait of the Provost is in the
possession of Mrs. Dingwall, West Kensington, the widow of
Arthur Dingwall, a grandson of the Provost.

In 1789, on the completion of the North Pier, after the design
by Smeaton, a jetty was constructed near the west end of the
pier to break the swell within the harbour, and the new work
was called after the Provost, and is still known as " Aber-
crombie's Jetty."

1789-90.

115. WILLIAM CRUDEN

(Goiuicil Reg., LXVL, 54, 118).

In 1790 the gentlemen of the Northern Shooting Club started
horse-racing on the Links, and they applied to the Council for a
piece of plate for competition at these races, but the request was
refused. Their sentiments had changed, however, within the
subsequent three years, for on the occasion of a second applica-
tion being made the Council voted a purse of thirty pounds, and
a similar sum was granted for several years.

1791-92.

cxvii. 6eorae BiUMo of iportletbeu

(Council Reg., LXVL, 162, 217).

Provost Auldjo was a son of John Auldjo of Portlethen, who
died on the 16th August, 1786. The Provost was born in 1756,

u:^

254 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

admitted a burgess in 1771, and on the 7th April, 1782, was
married, at London, to Susan Beauvais, of Jermyn Street,
S. James. Of this marriage there were several children born, of
whom John, the eldest son, wa.s admitted an infant burgess on

. ^ 27th September,

1785, and was
the author of " A
Narrative of an
X^ ^ Ascent to the

Summit of Mont
Blanc in 1827," "Sketches of Vesuvius," 1833, and "Journal
of a Visit to Constantinople," 1835 ; Lewis, the second son,
admitted as an infant burgess, 25th September, 1787 ; Thomas,
the fourth son, a lieutenant in the army, died at Ludsnow on
the 8rd September, 1808 ; and a daughter, Margaret, married
Alexander Skene, of the Belhelvie family. Provost Auldjo
died at his house at Clay hills on the 24th December, 1806, in the
fiftieth year of his age. The Provost held the office of Distribu-
ter of Stamps, having succeeded Provost Duncan on payment to
him of the yearly sum of £180. The arms said to be borne by
the family were — argent, three hearts conjoined in triangle by
the points gules ; in base a buck's head cabossed of the second,
all within a lordine azure ; crest, a stump of an oak tree shooting
forth new branches, vert ; motto, " Non deficit alter."*

The proposal for the erection of a military barracks within
the city was again brought under the notice of the Government by
the Council, with the result that action was at once taken in the
matter, and the present barracks on the Castlehill were built, the
town giving the site on condition that a barracks should be main-
tained on the ground by the Government, the agreement further
providing that the ground should revert to the town in case of the
barracks being removed to any other site. The Upperkirkgate port,
the last of the ancient gateways of the burgh was removed in 1793.

* Baronage of Angus and Mearns, 6.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 255

1793-94

116. JOHN ABERCROMBIE, Junior

(Council Beg., LXVL, 253; LXVII, 36).

The agitation for burgh reform had been carried on most
persistently during the previous few years, and success seemed
just about to crown the efforts of the reformers when the French
Revolution threw the Government of this country into a tem-
porary panic, and put a stop to further progress at this time.
What the American War could not do, the disturbances in France
accomplished, and, on the recommendation of Government, a corps
of four hundred volunteers was enrolled. The Provost was
colonel commandant, and the dress of the regiment was " a blue
coat, white facings, white vest and breeches, with black gaiters,
round hat and feather." During Abercrombie's term of office at
this time, two new Acts of Parliament were obtained. The first
of these was an Act continuing the powers obtained in the first
Harbour Act of 1773, while the second was that constituting the
Police Commission. The latter Act, which received Royal assent
on the 19th May, 1795, is entitled " An Act for the better paving,
lighting, cleansing, and otherwise improving the Streets, Lanes,
and other Publick Passages of the City of Aberdeen, and the Roads
and Avenues within the Royalty thereof; for the better supply-
ing the Inhabitants with fresh Water, and for the removing and
preventing all Obstructions and Annoyances within the said City
and Royalty." The Police Board, which came into existence for
the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, relieved
the Town Council of many of the duties formerly discharged by
that body. The Police Commissioners from the first published an
account of their revenue and expenditure, and were in every
respect a democratic body, and for a time at least, by their actions,
must have weakened the cry for burgh reform, the discussions on
which had been carried on with no little heat by a large section
of the burgesses. During 1795 the four Magistrates, the Dean of

256 Memorial of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Guild, and the City Treasurer received chains of office, which had
been purchased in London, at a cost of nearly a hundred and
seventy pounds, and they were instructed by the Council to wear
the chains as a badge of distinction on every public occasion.

1795-96.

cxviii. (Beorae /Il^ore of 1Rae&en

(Council Beg., LXVIL, 83, 124).

Provost More was the eldest of the family borne to Gilbert
More by his wife, Helen Shepherd, a daughter of George
Shepherd, merchant burgess of Aberdeen, who died 9th January,
1794. The Provost's father, who died on the 27 th November,
1796, purchased Raeden, and built the present house there,
having, like his son, carried on business in the city as a merchant.
Provost More was admitted a burgess of Guild on 5th September,
1753, and was twice married, his first wife being Jane Innes,
eldest daughter of Alexander Innes of Breda and Cowie, Com-
missary Clerk of Aber-
. deen, to whom he was

^^ married on the 9th

'(?<^jU/^-'^(yy^ June, 1787. On her

death, which occurred
24th February, 1794,* he married, on the 21st March, 1795, for
his second wife, Harriet Beauvais, youngest daughter of Lewis
Beauvais, wine merchant, Jermyn Street, London, a sister,
evidently, of the wife of Provost George Auldjo (117). By his
two marriages Provost More had fourteen children, of whom
Gilbert entered the H.E.I. Company's Civil Service, and died
unmarried, at Singapore, on the 25th August, 1830 ; George, a
major in the same service, married Jane Mitchell, daughter of
James Mowat, manufacturer in Aberdeen, had issue, and died at

* The notice of Mrs. More's death in the Aberdeen Journal concludes with a
poetical tribute to her many graces.

THOMAS LEYS
OF Glasgoforest.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 257

Asserrghar on 10th November, 1843 ; Alexander, died 29th
April, 1875, aged seventy-three years; Lewis, the third son; and
Mary D , who died at Aberdeen in 1889, aged seventy-nine

years. The finn of Gilbert More & Sons in 1795 consisted of the
Provost and his two sons above referred to, Gilbert and Alex-
ander. Harriet Beauvais or More died at Aberdeen on the 8th
July, 1855, aged eighty-two years. The curious will find, in the
April number for 1863 of " Fraser's Magazine," an amusing story
of a visit Provost More paid on one occasion to London. The
chief event during the two years of More's provostship was the
passing of a Parliamentary Act authorising the constructing and
maintaining of a navigable canal from the harbour of Aberdeen
to the river Don " at or near the south end of the bridge over the
same adjacent to the Royal Burgh of Inverurie." The Aberdeen-
shire Canal Navigation Company did good service to the city and
county for over half a century, when the locomotive took the
place of the former slow but enjoyable mode of transit.

1797-98.

cxix. XTbomas Xe^s of Glasooforest

(Council liey., LXVIL, 156, 187).

Provost Leys was a son of Baillie Francis Leys, who died in
November, 1788, by his wife Elizabeth Ingram, a daughter of
William Ingram, merchant in Huntly. The Provost's parents
were married in 1755, and, besides himself, there was a daughter,
who became the wife of . — "'p'^^ Z' yO

Provost Alexander Breb- ^ ^ ^^ ' Vt'*^

ner (122) in 1783. Provost
Leys was unmarried, and
died on the 24th October,
1809, at the early age of
forty -five years, much regretted, as he had given great promise
of public usefulness. In 1749, the Provost's father, as a member
of the firm of Leys, Still, & Co., afterwards known as Leys
34)

c^^^ 26yd/'

258 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Masson, & Co., started a manufactory for linen thread and cloth
at Gordon's Mills, now known as Grandholm Works. In this
business the Provost was actively engaged along with his
brother-in-law. Provost Alexander Brebner, and Provost James
Hadden, as partners. On his father's death in 1788, the Provost
succeeded to his interest in the works, and also to the estate of
Glasgoforest, in the parish of Kinellar, He was, at the time of
his death. Convener of the County of Aberdeen.

It was in great measure to the foresight and ability of
Provost Leys that the scheme for two new leading thoroughfares
into the city was devised in the liberal spirit in which it was
ultimately carried out. On the occasion of laying the foundation-
stone of Union Bridge, on 7th July, 1801, Provost Dingwall, in
reply to a remark by Alexander Allardyce, M.P., said, " before
concluding, I cannot omit this opportunity of joining you (as, I
am sure, all present will) in the just eulogium you have bestowed
upon the exertions of my worthy predecessor, Mr. Leys, who has,
by his perseverance and zeal, contributed so essentially to bring
this work to its present advanced state."

Through the kindness of Colonel Innes of Learney, a portrait
of Provost Leys is given from a fine painting at Learney House.

1799-1800.

cxx. 3obn Dinawall of art)o an& IRannieston

(Council Reg., LXVIL, 223; LXVIII, 14).

This provost was the fourth son of Bail lie John Dingwall,
stocking manufacturer, by his first wife, Mary Lumsden, a
daughter of the Rev. James Lumsden, minister of Towie.
Provost Dingwall was born 22nd September, 1761, and on the
death of his brother Arthur, without issue, he succeeded to
the estate of Rannieston, in the parish of Logie-Buchan. The
Provost was three times married, his first wife being a
daughter of Baillie George Willox, of Old Aberdeen, and the
widow of a Captain Pringle. His second wife, Catherine Jane

^l^nonr/z/^^

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 259

Moir, to whom he was married on the 20th March, 1800, was a

daughter of Rev. William Moir, minister of Fyvie. On her

death, he married for his third wife, Ann Taylor, who survived

him. By neither of these marriages had he any children, and at

his death, which

occurred on the

29th March, 183G,

his estates of

Rannieston and /y

Ardo passed to

his younger brother, Alexander, who was for long post-master

of Aberdeen, and died in May, 1840.* Provost Dingwall had

the satisfaction while in office to see the " Act for Opening and

Making Two New Streets in the City of Aberdeen " safely

passed through Parliament, and, as already noticed, he laid the

foundation-stone of Union Bridge, on 7th July, 1801, in the

double capacity of Lord Provost and Master of the Ancient

Lodge of Aberdeen Freemasons.

The Provost's father may be said to have introduced the
manufacture of stockings as a trade to Aberdeen, and at his death
on the 13th May, 1793, in his seventy-seventh year, the follow-
ing notice regarding him appeared in the Aberdeen Journal : —
" He carried on business in this place for upwards of fifty years.
Early in life, he established the manufacture of knit stockings on
the same plan as in England ; and by carrying the business to
an extent and perfection never known before his time, he
rendered the most essential service to this town and county by
extending and improving its staple commodity. He was a
gentleman of the strictest integrity and punctuality in business,
of a clear understanding, and a sincere friend." To the business
thus established. Provost Dingwall succeeded, and although hav-
ing to contend with considerable competition, he worthily upheld
the traditions of the house.

* Family Records of Dingwall-Fordyce.

260 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

In 1792, the year prior to Baillie Dingwall's death, he
recorded arms as follows : — Azure, a golden fleece suspended from
the top of the shield between three spur-revels of six points or,
within a bordure of the last. A footnote in the Lyon Register
regarding these arms says, " And which golden fleece is assigned
to him as a mark of distinction on account of the very essential
services done by him to the stocking trade of the Town and
County of Aberdeen."*

1801-2.

cxxi. 5ames Ibabben ot persle^

(Cotincil Reg., LXVIIL, 59, 93).

Provost James Hadden was the eldest son of a large family
borne to Baillie Alexander Hadden by his wife, Elspet Young, a
sister of Provost William Young (114). Born on the 27th May,
1758, he was admitted in September, 1760, an infant burgess of
the city. He received his education at the Grammar School and
Marischal College, and while still quite young he became a partner

in two of the leading
manufacturing firms
in the city — viz., Leys,
Masson, & Co. and
Alexander Hadden and
Sons. Nor did these concerns wholly occupy his attention, for
he was an active supporter and took a fair share in the work of
formation of the Commercial Banking Company, the Aberdeen-
shire Canal Company, and the Aberdeen Life Assurance Company.
Provost Hadden married on 20th April, 1789, Violette Eliza-
beth, the second daughter of Alexander Innes of Breda and
Cowie, Commissary of Aberdeen, by whom he had issue —
besides some children who died in infancy — Alexander, born 13th
February, 1790, manufacturer, and for several years (1837-48), a

* Ordinary of Scottish Arms, 109.

JAMES MADDEN
OF Persley

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 2G1

member of the Town Council and Harbour Board, died un-
married, 4th December, 1866 ; James, born 5th October, 1791,
manufacturer, and Dean of Guild (1845-46), married Elizabeth,
eldest daughter of George Hogarth of Woodhill, and died 9th
March, 1850 ; Thomas Leys, born 14th May, 1805, manufacturer,
and at one time a member of the Town Council, afterwards a
merchant in Glasgow, and died at Moftat, 12th September, 1865 ;
John Innes, born 27th September, 1811, manufacturer, died un-
married, 19th July, 1845 ; Eliza, born 31st May, 1793, married
Colin Campbell M'Intyre, and died 21st February, 1872 ; Elspet,
born 18th February, 1795, married Colonel Martin Lindsay of
Halbeath, in Fife, and died 18th October, 1862 ; and Helen, born
19th April, 1796, married William Forbes- Robertson of Hazel-
head, and died 20th October, 1873. Mrs. Hadden died on the 6th
November, 1834, aged sixty-five years, and the Provost's death
occurred on the 8th June, 1845, at the age of eighty-seven years.
The two years of Hadden's provostship were very busy ones for
the Council, as the improvements in connection with the purchase
of properties for the laying out of Union Street and King Street
were then carried out. So vigorously were the works carried on
that the keystone of Union Bridge, built at a cost of over £13,000,
was driven on the 25th August, 1803. The public works in
which Hadden was afterwards engaged will be referred to at the
proper place ; but it may be mentioned here that he was named
" the father of the city " in recognition of his labours for the
opening up and beautifying of the town. As a further mark of
the esteem in which he was held, his portrait, by Pickersgill, was
subscribed for by public subscription, and placed in the Town-
Hall, where it now hangs. An engraving of this portrait was
published by 1853 by the late Mr. John Hay, from which the
reproduction here given has been taken.

Provost Hadden, after the passing of the Reform Act of 1832,
stood as a candidate for his native city in the Conservative
interest against Mr. Bannerman, but, on the advice of friends,
he withdrew before the day of election. The fact was that the

262 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Provost at this time was very unpopular, and on coming forward
as a candidate for the Third Ward in 1833, he failed to get
elected to the Town Council.

It was only after the " Reform " Council had investigated
the affairs of the town, and it came to be realised that the actings
of former councils had not " been gross jobbing and corruption,"
that Provost Hadden came to hold the general esteem of the
whole community, which, it may safely be said, he did for the
last fourteen years of his life.

1803-4.

119. THOMAS LEYS of Glasgoforest

(Council Beg., LXVIIL, 140, 157).

1805-6.

cxxii. Hlejan^er Brebnec ot Xearne^

(Council Beg., LXVIIL, 209, 250).

Provost Brebner was the son of William Brebner of Learney,
and was admitted a burgess of Guild on 29th July, 1779. He
carried on business in the city as a merchant and manufacturer,
and was for long a member of the firm of Leys, Masson, & Co.

He married on 17th
August, 1783, Christian
Leys, a daughter of
Baillie Francis Leys,
and a sister of Provost
Thomas Leys (119), by
whom he had issue — Jane, the eldest daughter, married on 19th
October, 1809, William Innes of Hall-green, merchant in London ;
William, admitted as an infant burgess on 27th September, 1796 ;
and a daughter who, on her father's death, was co-heiress with
Mrs. Innes. Provost Brebner died on 28th February, 1823, aged
seventy years, and Mrs. Brebner on 16th February, 1843, aged

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 263

eighty years. The arms of Brebner of Learney, as recognised in
the arms granted in 1875 to Colonel Innes of Learney, a grand-
son of the Provost, were or, a fcss ermine, between three griffins'
heads erased vert.

1807-8.

118. GEORGE MORE of Raeden

(Council Reg., LXIX., 37, 76).

The great subject before the Council during this period was
the improvement of the harbour ; the obstruction caused by the
bar and the want of proper dock accommodation being felt as
very great drawbacks to the advancement of the port as a centre
for shipping. Plans were consequently prepared showing wet
docks, a tide lock, and an extended North Pier, and these were
approved of by Telford ; but there was a large section of the
burgesses who looked upon the scheme as far and away beyond
the requirements of the port. A bill was introduced into Parlia-
ment asking the necessary powers, and it was opposed by those
who disapproved of the sclieme, but the Council were able to
carry the bill, and on the 18th May, 1810, it obtained the Royal
assent. It was under this Act that the Harbour Commission
was established, and the affairs of the harbour came to be
managed by a separate board, the town retaining a reversionary
interest in the Trust.

1809-10.

121. JAMES HADDEN of Persley

(Council Beg., LXIX., 117, 173).

The powers obtained under the Harbour Act of 1810 were at
once put into operation, and several works were carried out at a
cost of about £120,000, although none of the larger works
contemplated in the Act, such as the tide lock, wet docks, or
graving dock, were executed, or even attempted ; for it was soon

264 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

found that the debt already incurred was more than the revenue
from the Trust warranted. For the year 1810-1811 the revenue
derived from the Harbour amounted to £7,214, the expenditure
for the same period, £24,323, and the debt at the close of the
year, £60,192.

1811-12.

cxxiii. 5ames 3l)ounc;» Junior

(Council Reg., LXIX., 206, 235).

Provost Youn^ was the eldest son of James Young, merchant,
and Dean of Guild, by his wife, Elizabeth Black, and was born
on the 30th April, 1776. He was in partnership with his uncle.
Provost William Young (114), in the stocking trade, but the

industry, at the commencement

/^ ^ //y ^^ ^^ French Revolution, re-

^^!^/\ \J^ /P /y^^T^ i^ ceived a severe check, and

yf ' having afterwards fallen off

considerably, the Provost left
this country for Holland at the Peace of 1814. Settling at
Rotterdam, he carried on business as a general merchant, with, it
is understood, considerable success till his death in 1834. Provost
Young married on the 27th November, 1806, Patience D. Fordyce,
eighth daughter of Dr. Arthur D. Fordyce of Culsh, by his wife
Janet Morison, a daughter of Provost James Morison of Elsick
(106). The issue of this marriage was eight sons and eight
daughters : — James, born 20th September, 1808, died in child-
hood ; Arthur, born 9th January, 1810, merchant in Antwerp for
some time, now living at Worthing, author of several works,
among the last being "Sociology Diagrammatically Systematised,"
London, 1890 ; William, born 9th June, 1815, merchant in
Bombay, Antwerp, and Rotterdam, died unmarried, 4th February,
1883, author of "Nova Zembla," a poem published in 1874;
George Gordon, born 31st March, 1816, died when a few days
old ; James Hadden, twin brother of George, inventor of a type

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 265

composing machine in use in 1842, died unmarried, 20th July,
18G1 ; Thomas Morison, born 13th October, 1819, died 1824 ;
George, born 22nd December, 1822, died unmarried, 29th April,
1869 ; Gavin David, born 5th Januar}^, 1825, director of several
mining and other companies in Australia, married Frances Rich-
man, and died 26th February, 1881 ; Jessy, born 7th October,
1807, married James Macpherson, and perished at sea, 12th
October, 1839 ; Elizabeth, born 1st January, 1811, married
Arthur Harvey, now living at Adelaide, Australia ; Catherine
Leslie, died in infancy ; Jane, accidentally drowned at the Cove
in June, 1828 ; Isabella, died in infancy ; Patience Mary, died in
1834 ; Angelica and Mary Ann, both died in infancy. Mrs.
Young died at Rotterdam on the 21st March, 1827, aged forty
years, and the Provost died in the same place on the 17th May,
1834, aged fifty-eight years.

The loss of the " Oscar " in April, 1813, so impressed itself
on the minds of the people that the calamity is still sometimes
referred to as an event by which the approximate date of others
is fixed.

1813-14.

121. JAMES HADDEN of Persley
(Council Rtg., LXX., 9, 39).

In 1814 an Act was obtained for erecting and maintaining a
new Court-House and other offices for the city and county of
Aberdeen, and also for providing and maintaining an additional
gaol. It was under this Act and another obtained in 1819 that
the West Prison, or Bridewell, was erected.

1815-16.

cxxiv. Blejant)er ifraser

(Council Reg., LXX., 60, 77).

Provost Fraser was a native of Inverness, and was born there
on the 21st November, 1775. His parents were William Fraser,
35

266 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

who was factor on part of the Lovat estates, while his mother
was Jean Steuart, a daughter of Alexander Steuart, merchant in
Inverness, by his wife, Jean Scott. The Provost, who is
described as being "warm-hearted, genial in disposition, and
possessed of a great fund of humour," carried on business in
the city as a merchant, corn-factor, and shipowner. He was

married on the 31st May, 1798,
j^ to Agnes Dingwall Fordyce, the

^^^^ y/^y^ sixth daughter of Dr. Arthur D.

^^ti ^/^C^i^^^^C Fordyce of Culsh, by whom he
had issue, five sons and seven
daughters : — William, born 1801,
died 1805 ; John Mathieson,
born 21st November, 1805, merchant in Antwerp, latterly
resided in London, married Emilie, only daughter of Baron
Nottebohm, and died 13th January, 1885 ; William, born
1809, died 17th January, 1823; Arthur, born 22nd July,
1811, merchant in Java, latterly residing in Edinburgh,
married Margaret Jane, daughter of Duncan Davidson of
Inchmarlo, and died 3rd May, 1881 ; Alexander, merchant in
Java, and now residing in London ; Janet, born 14th February,
1799, married, in 1825, Alexander Thomson of Banchory, and
died 8th August, 1870 ; Jean Steuart, born 22nd January,
1840, married John K. Turing, merchant in Rotterdam, and
died 21st August, 1870 ; Agnes Dyce, born 22nd March, 1807,
died unmarried, 24th May, 1873 ; Isabella, born 1808, died
1815 ; Margaret Herries Helen, born 1813, died unmarried, 29th
September, 1831 ; Barbara, married, in 1841, Charles Frederick
Gibson, then Lieutenant 70th Foot ; and Angelica Patience.
Mrs. Fraser died in Aberdeen on 6th March, 1834, and the Provost
died on the 21st May, 1840, aged sixty-five years.

The outlay for the formation of Union Street and King
Street had up to this time been very great, while the returns
were far from meeting the heavy expenditure incurred ; indeed,
for some years prior to 1817, the Treasurer had been unable to

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 267

meet the full interest of five per cent, on the borrowed money. In
Februcary of 1817 the claims of the Treasurer had become so
pressing that it was deemed expedient to suspend payment, and
at a meeting on the 8tli of that month Provost Fraser submitted
a statement of the position of matters, and after several meetings
between the Council and the burgesses, the former conveyed all
the property of the burgh in favour of twenty-one trustees for
behoof of the creditors of the town. Various proposals were
submitted by the Magistrates and Council with the view of
finding a modus vivendi out of the difficulty, but feeling ran too
high against the Council, especially regarding the mode of election
of that body, for any agreement to be come to by parties.

1817.

cxxv. Cbarles jforbcs of Bucbme^Den

(Council Recj., LXX., 153).

At the Michaelmas election of this year, owing, doubtless, to
" the singular and unprecedented circumstances in which the
corporation was placed," fifteen persons entitled to vote for the
new office-bearers absented themselves, while, of the nineteen
persons elected as the Council for the ensuing year, thirteen
positively refused to act. The election of Forbes as provost,
although he refused office, was contrary to precedent, as he was not
a burgess, a " trafficker," nor an actual indweller within the burgh.
A petition to the Court of Session was presented by John Elphin-
stone and others against the validity of the election as a whole,
in respect that the terms of the trust deed virtually disfranchised
the burgh, that the refusal of a majority of the Council to accept
office rendered acceptance by the minority impossible, the fact
that Forbes was not eligible to be elected provost, and that
irregularities had been committed in carrying out the election.
The six Councillors who had accepted office entered defences,
in which they pleaded that the trust deed did not annul their

268 MeTYiorials of the Alderrtien, Provosts, and

jurisdiction, the refusal of office by others did not necessarily
att'ect their position in accepting, and as regards the election of
Forbes to the provostship they endeavoured to establish that a
precedent had been created in the case of Provost Shand (111),
who was only an honorary burgess, and thus exactly in the same
position as Forbes. The further plea of irregularity in carrying
out the election referred to the fact that in filling up the
vacancies caused by the abstention of fifteen persons at the
meeting for the election of office-bearers, a William Rae, who
was not a burgess, was included and exercised his vote. The
decision, dated 10th March, 1818, avoided dealing with the first
three questions, and was to the effect that " The Lords having
advised this Petition and Complaint, with Answers thereto,
Replies and Duplies, in respect that William Rae, not being a
burgess of Aberdeen, was ineligible to vote in the election instead
of one of the Guild Brethren, absent from the same, and that
thereby there was a deficit in the number of forty votes required
to be present thereat : Find, that the whole proceedings of the
said meetings on the 24th September last were illegal, and that
the election pretended to have been made of counsellors, magis-
trates, and office-bearers of the city of Aberdeen was illegal, void,
and null, to all intents and purposes ; and reduce and set aside
the same accordingly and decern." A second petition praying
for the interposition of the Court in regard to the management
of the affairs of the burgh resulted in the Court nominating
interim Magistrates and office-bearers to act till the magistracy,
&c., should be restored.

Charles Forbes, who was nominated and appointed provost in
such circumstances, was the son of the Reverend George Forbes
of Leochel, and a grandson of John Forbes of Bellabeg. He was
for long a merchant in Bombay, but, returning home, entered
Parliament as member for Beverley, Yorkshire, 1812-18, and
Malmesbury, 1818-32. When admitted an honorary burgess on
3rd November, 1813, he was described as of Edinglassie, and in the
law process of 1818, as of Auchmedden. Forbes was created

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 269

a baronet on 4th November, 1823, and became the great-grand-
father of the present baronet of Castle Newe. Forbes died, 20th
November, 1849, having married Elizabeth Ashburner, by whom
he had three sons and a daughter.

1818-19.

122. ALEXANDER BREBNER of Learney

(Council Beg., LXX., 173, 212).

In accordance with the decision of the Privy Council, the
Magistrates and Councillors who had retired at Michaelmas, 1817,
met on the 23rd September, 1818, and elected a new Council, and
both old and new Councils thereafter elected office-bearers accord-
ing to ancient custom.

1820-21.

cxxvi. (Bavin t)a&^en of Wxion Gvovc

(Council Beg., LXX., 231 ; LXX I., 1).

Provost Gavin Hadden was a brother of Provost James
Hadden (121), being the fourth surviving son of Baillie Alexander
Hadden and his wife Elspet Young. He was born on the 8th
May, 1770, and married on the 4th July, 1799, Hope Innes,
seventh daugh-
ter of Alexander ^ ^ yp' ^
Innes of Breda fy^ ^^^^-r^^^^ y X^
and Cowie, by ^^ i/^i^7x/^i''^(3 a.cC£C^^^

whom he had ^r
issue three sons ^

and six daughters : — Gavin, born 18th Septembei", 1801, manu-
facturer and member of the firm of Alexander Hadden & Sons,
married Janet Dyce, daughter of Robert Forbes of Castleton, and
died, 14th June, 1841 ; William Innes, born 24th October, 1807,
merchant at Riga, died unmarried, 27th June, 1840 ; James
(Farquhar), born 25th April, 1809, manufacturer, died, 10th

270 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

December, 1879, having married, in 1842, Elizabeth Violette,
daughter of Colonel Lindsay, C.B. ; Jane, born 1800, died un-
married, 3rd December, 18G9 ; Hope, born 1803, died unmarried,
14th May, 1828; Margaret, born 1804, married Thomas Tod,
barrister-at-law, and died 8th October, 1888 ; Hannah Eliza, born
1813, died unmarried, 15th November, 1868 ; Mary Ramsay,
born 1816, died unmarried, 11th November, 1832 ; and Robina
Duff, born 1820, married Thomas N, Farquhar, solicitor, and
died 15th April, 1886.

Provost Hadden died at Union Grove on the 12th June, 1857,
in his eighty-eighth year, and his wife died on the 14th Septem-
ber of the following year, aged seventy-eight years. Both are
interred in S. Nicholas Churchyard. The Provost, like his
brother, was a manufacturer, being a member of the firm of
Alexander Hadden & Sons.

1822-23.

cxxvii. Blesan^er :fi3rown

(Council Reg., LXXL, 18, 36).

Provost Brown was the third son of the Rev. William Brown, the
first Secession minister of Craigdam, and was born there in May,
1766. The Provost's eldest brother, John, studied medicine in
Aberdeen, while another brother, William, became a bookseller
in Dundee, and by his verse claims a place among our local
bards. Provost Brown, at the age of sixteen years, came into the
city, and was apprenticed to the bookselling trade with Mr.

Knight, father of Professor
Knight, and some three
years later he commenced
business on his own account
in the Upperkirkgate. The
firm of Alexander Brown & Son is thus one of the firms in the
city that can claim a connection with a past century. Provost
Brown was admitted a burgess of Guild on the 15th September,

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 271

1787. On the 17th February, 1795, the Provost married
Catherine Chahners, eldest daughter of James Chalmers, printer,
and the issue of tliis marriage was five sons and three daughters :
— William, born 17th February, 179G, succeeded his father as
Distributer of Stamps, died, January, 1861 ; James, born 19th
February, 1798, merchant in London, died February, 1835 ; Alex-
ander, born 15th January, 1802 ; David, born 17th August, 1803,
Principal of the Free Church College, Aberdeen, and Moderator
of the General Assembly in 1885 ; Charles John, born 21st
Auofust, 1806, for some time minister of the Free New North
Church, Edinburgh, and died 3rd July, 1884 ; Margaret, born
26th June, 1799, died, 4th February, 1862 ; Catherine, born 19th
July, 1811, married on 15th November, 1831, to Joseph Thor-
burn, minister at Forglen ; and Isabella, born 9th June, 1813,
married the Rev. John Murray, of the North Parish Church,
Aberdeen.

The Provost, prior to filling the civic chair, was a magistrate
in 1812, and again in 1820, while in 1818 he was chosen Dean
of Guild. Provost Brown died on the 16th November, 1848, aged
eighty-two years. A portrait of the Provost, from a miniature
by A. Robertson, appears in George Walker's " Aberdeen Awa',"
page 92.

In 1824 the first endeavour to introduce gas into the burgh
was made, but the success attending the undertaking was for
long far from encouraging.

1824-25.

126. GAVIN HADDEN of Union Grove

(Council Reg., LXXL, 76, 117).

The progress of feuing the ground along the two new streets
had so far exceeded the expectations regarding it that in 1825
the trustees who had been appointed in 1817 were able to hand
back to the Magistrates and Council the whole property which
had been conveyed to them in trust. The population of the city

272 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

during the first quarter of this century about doubled itself, for
in 1801 it was 13,560, and in 1825 the population was reckoned
at 26,370.

To obtain the full advantage of the new north access to the
city it was determined to build a bridge over the Don more
in line with the new street and of a more commodious character
than the old Bridge of Balgownie, and so on the 20th May, 1825,
an Act was obtained for " building a bridge over the river Don
near the village of Balgownie, or Polgownie, in the parish of Old
Machar." The bridge erected under the powers of this Act was
opened for traffic in 1830, having cost the Bridge of Don Fund
close on £26,000.

1826-27.

127. ALEXANDER BROWN

(Council Reg., LXXL, 175, 219).

1828-29.

126. GAVIN HADDEN of Union Grove

(Council Beg., LXXIL, 10, 44).

Two important parliamentary measures affecting the city
were passed during 1829 ; the first of these, dealing with the
improvement of the harbour, was rendered absolutely necessary
from the increased trade done at the port, while the second
measure had become imperative in the interests of the health
of the citizens generally. This second Act was one " for the
better paving, cleansing, lighting, watching, and improving the
streets and lanes and other public places and passages within the
city and certain grounds adjacent, for regulating the police
thereof, and for supplying the inhabitants with water." The
supply of water obtained from certain spring wells and from the
Gilcomston waterworks had become entirely inadequate to meet
the requirements of the extended burgh, especially during the

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 273

dry summers which preceded 1829. The works carried out
under the Act provided a supply taken from the Dee a little
above the old bridge, from which point, after filtration, it was
pumped into the water-house or reservoir erected in Union
Place. The amount capable of being supplied by this scheme
was a thousand gallons per minute.

In 1828 the spiritual necessities of the citizens were provided
for by the division, under decreet of the Court of Session, of the
old parish of S. Nicholas into six parishes, and it was in carrying
out this decreet that the present North Parish Church was built
in 1831, and the South Parish Church in 1830.

1830-31.

121. JAMES HADDEN of Perslet

(Coimcil Reg., LXXIL, 90, 131).

The great subject before the public at this time, eclipsing all
others in its importance, was the question of parliamentary and
burgh reform, which, after more than half a century of agitation,
was now almost an accomplished fact, and that notwithstanding
opposition of no ordinary kind. The first of these boons was
granted in July, 1832, when an Act to Amend the Representation
of the People in Scotland was placed on the statute-book. By
this Act the city became entitled to return a member to Parlia-
ment in place of having one vote in the election of a member
for a group of burghs, as had been the case since the Union.

1832.

126. GAVIN HADDEN of Union Grove

(Council Reg., LXXIL, 177).

At the Michaelmas election in 1832, James Hadden retired
for the purpose of becoming a candidate for the city in Parlia-
ment in opposition to Alexander Bannerman, but seeing that the
36

274 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

principles professed by him were highly unpopular, he with-
drew before the poll. The election took place at the " hustings "
erected in Castle Street on the 18th December, 1832, when
Alexander Bannerman was, without opposition, declared elected.
The sequel to the reform in Parliamentary representation was an
abolition of the system whereby the retiring Council in burghs
elected their successors, and this was accomplished by the Burgh
Reform Act of 1833 (3 and i William IV., c. 76), which abolished
in the Royal burghs of Scotland a sj'stem that was almost coeval
with their erection.

1833-35.

cxxviii. Barnes Blatftfe of Cratgiebucftlcr

(Covncil Reg., LXXIL, 229).

James Blaikie was a son of John Blaikie, plumber and
coppersmith in Aberdeen, by his wife, Helen Richardson. The
family belonged originally to the Borders, but certain of them
having been engaged in the '1.5, they came north to Perthshire,
under the protection of the Duke of Perth, and settled on a farm
near Dunkeld. The Provost's father, John Blaikie, came from
Perth to Aberdeen about 1780, and founded the business of John
Blaikie & Sons. James Blaikie was born in 1786, studied law,

and was admitted a
member of the Society
of Advocates in Aber-
deen in 1808. He
married Jane Garden, a daughter of William Garden, Braco Park,
by his wife, Eliza Logic, and had issue, John, advocate in Aber-
deen, and afterwards of Craigiebuckler ; William Garden, D.D.,
LL.D., Professor of Apologetics and Pastoral Theology in New
College, Edinburgh, Moderator of the General Assembly of the
Free Church in 1895 ; Anthony Adrian, advocate in Aberdeen,
married, 6th July, 1852, his cousin, Helen Blaikie, and died in
Natal, South Africa, 18th November, 1871 ; and Elizabeth,

>r^

r.AIKlE

.r L i; \!(,n

274

pn:
drc-

men, Provosts, and

unpopular, he
1 took place at the " hust

' ' ' 1832, wh^ii

, jlared elected.

representation was an

;hs Ot fesCOtin

:; ;i";>i r'ccuon.

cxxviil. Barnes 3Blaift(e ot Ccaiatebucftlcr

{■Cmincil Rtg., LXXII., 229).
Jaines I

)st coeval

son of John Blaikie, plumber and

' ■-■ ' ^ ' o-.K ...1 ,_. rphe

hey CHi

Perth to Aberdet

Blaikie & Son.s. James Bitiikie

-rr^rTr^Vd Jai

yy . member of the S

v/^f^ of Advocates in

dcea, <.
LLD.. t
College, Edi
Free Cl
married, ^^.. t-
Natal, South A

JAMES BLAIKIE
OF Craigiebuckler.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 21 o

married in 1840 to Dr. Alexander D, Davidson, minister of the
West Church of S. Nicholas. Provost James Blaikie died
suddenly in the vestibule of the old Town-House, on the 3rd
October, 1836, within a month of completing his third year of
office. His character, as sketched by his son-in-law in the
funeral sermon preached by him, was as follows : — " He was a
man of thorough integrity, kindliness of heart, and unruffled
evenness of temper. He had deep sagacity, clearness and sound-
ness of judgment, and a wondrous faculty of concentrating his
whole mind at once on any subject that was presented to hira.
He was not on\y a good man and an upright magistrate, but a
Christian. His piety was not obtrusive, but deep and genuine."
This estimate of the Provost is borne out by the wording of the
vote of thanks given to him by the Council in 1835, when he
was thanked " for the very able, courteous, and efficient manner
in which he had performed the duties of his office." Mrs. Blaikie
died on the 2nd April, 1857, in her sixty-third year.

The memory of Provost Blaikie is still kept green by the
beautiful statue in marble — one of the earliest works of the late
Sir John Steell, R.S.A. — which now stands in the vestibule of the
Town-House, having been fortunately removed from Drum's
Aisle before the disastrous fire of 1874. His portrait, painted
by John Phillip, R.A., also hangs in the Town-Hall, and the
representation here given is taken from the beautiful engraving
of the portrait by J. E. Coombs, executed in 1838.

Provost Blaikie took a great interest in the rebuilding of
Marischal College, and it was principally through his exertions
and the aid of Alexander Bannerman, M.P., that the Government
were finally induced to contribute the sum necessary to make the
scheme of rebuilding possible. Their efforts thus brought to a
successful issue, the foundation-stone of the new buildings was
to have been laid by him during the month in which he died.
Other matters which occupied the attention of the Council dur-
ing the three years above mentioned were the abolition of
the office of public executioner ; the preparation of a memorial

276 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

to the Commissioners on Burghs, asking that a stipendiary
magistrate be appointed and paid for by Government ; the
demolition of the old East Church, built in the latter quarter of
the fifteenth century, and the erection of the present structure.
It will be observed that the duration of the office of provost was,
under the Reform Act of 1833, altered from two to three years.

1836-38.

cxxix. James /iDilne

(Council Reg., LXXIV., 89).

Provost Milne was a member of the first Reform Council,
having been elected at the head of the poll for the Second Ward,
and, as senior baillie, he naturally stepped into the civic chair on
the sudden death of Provost James Blaikie. Provost Milne was
a partner of the firm of Milne, Low, & Co., manufacturers, was
married to Jean Mitchell, but had no issue. He died on 4th

October, 1841, aged eighty years,
and was survived by his wife,
who died on the 17th May, 1853,
aged eighty-three years. During
his term of office the rejoicings on the accession and coronation
of Her Majesty took place, and from a glance at the official pro-
gramme, the demonstrations appear to have taken place on a
large scale. Provost Milne, on the expiry of his term, came
before the electors of the Second Ward at November, 1839, but
failed to find a place among the two candidates chosen to repre-
sent the ward, and he consequently retired from public life.

An interesting notice of Provost Milne is given in " Circuit
Journeys," by the late Lord Cockburn, in which he says " we
had a most diverting party at the Provost's on Saturday ; a
quadrille party and a solid supper. His name is Milne, an
excellent octogenarian Whig, with a queer, out-of-the-way,
capacious, old-fashioned house, and a still more queer and old-

(ytiU^ri^ y/^^^

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 277

fashioned wife, but nice, kind, respectable, natural, happy bodies,
with all manner of substantial comforts, and the accent and
dialect of the place in great purity — much kindness and much
laughter we had."

1839-46.

cxxx. sir xrbomas BlaiF^ic

(Council Rt'j., LXXV., 128; LXXVII., 3).

Provost Thomas Blaikie was a younger son of John Blaikie
and his wife Helen Richardson, and a brother of Provost James
Blaikie (128). Born in 1801, he received a liberal education, and
became a partner in the business formed by his father, John
Blaikie & Sons, besides being himself founder and partner in
Blaikie Brothers, iron founders. Provost Blaikie married, on
28th November, 1828, Agnes Dingwall, the sixth daughter of
Alexander Dingwall, afterwards of Rannieston, by his wife
Janet Abercrombie. The issue of this marriage was three sons
and seven daughters, as follows : — George Thomson, born in
1844, died 1853; Thomas,

married 28th March, 1874, ^^ /Z,^>^C^ « ^-'^'•^

Constance Mary Hill; John, ^^^^^%^/^^2Z^^^^>i
for some time in Madras, ^ 1

and latterly settled in Lon- \^^ /

don, died September, 1890 ; ^ — ^

Janet or Jessie, married September, 1851, General Henry Hyde
R.E. : Helen, married her cousin, Anthony Adrian Blaikie ; Agnes
Dingwall, married, August, 1853, William G. Bateson, solicitor,
Liverpool ; Jane, married, April, 1858, Captain Henry R. Brown-
low, R.A. ; Margaret Jopp, married, November, 1859, David O.
Bateson, merchant, Liverpool ; Anna Thomson, married, Decem-
ber, 1865, George Ross, merchant, Calcutta ; and Emily, the
youngest daughter. In consideration of the public services
rendered by himself and his brother to the community, he was

278 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

knighted in 1856. His death occurred quite suddenly on the
25th September, 1861, at the as^e of sixty years. Lady Blaikie
survived her husband, and died in London in 1886.

To enumerate even briefly the many public works carried out
by Sir Thomas would take up considerable space, suflBce it to
say that he took a leading part in obtaining the Harbour Act of
1843, under which the present docks were constructed, and other
improvements carried out at a cost of nearly £155,000, that his
great influence was used in furthering the local railway schemes,
and that his interest was very large in promoting such concerns
as the Market, the Mechanics' Institution, the Asylum for the
Blind, &c. He carried out also the widening of the Bridge of
Dee in 1842, and the details of the construction and completion
of Marischal College received his special attention. Perhaps of
all the schemes with which his name was connected. Provost
Blaikie is best remembered for the great improvement scheme
which he formulated and laid before the Council in 1846. By
the proposed bill a new body was to be called into existence,
consisting of three members from the Town Council, two from
the Incorporated Trades, two from the Police Board, and six
members elected by the ratepayers. The powers to be conferred
upon this Board were of a very sweeping character, and included
the abolition of the Bell and Petty Customs, the acquisition of
the New Market, with power to build a new cattle market and
slaughter-house, the purchase of the United Gas Company's
works, and the formation of several new streets, which, had they
been carried out, would have altered considerably the present
configuration of the city. The Town Council adopted a resolu-
tion approving the Provost's scheme, except that part dealing
with the markets and gasworks, which they were of opinion
would be better in private hands. A subsequent meeting of the
citizens was held, and a joint committee of the Council and
citizens appointed to examine the details of the proposed bill,
including provision for a tax, which was restricted to 4d. per
£1 on owners, and half that sum on occupiers. This report was

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 270

submitted to a Head Court of the citizens held in the quadrangle
of Marisehal College on the 25th January, 1847, when by a
majority of two to one, tlie bill was rejected. Provost Blaikie at
once withdrew the bill, and at the ensuing November retired
from the Council

1847-49.

cxxxi. Gcoroe TTbompson, junior, of fiMtine^Deu

(Council Beg., LXXVIIL, 90).

Provost Thompson was the son of Andrew Thompson, of the
H.E.I.S., by Anne, a daughter of Andrew Stephen, Rubislaw.
Born at Woolwich in 1804, he was brought to Aberdeen on his
father's death when only two years of age, and received his
education at the Grammar School. Entering the office of the
London Shipping Company, he received an excellent training in
commercial life, which stood him in good stead when, in 1825, he
commenced business on his own account as a ship and insurance
broker. Mr. Thompson
started a line of vessels
to trade between this
country and Australia,
and this service, now
called the "Aberdeen Line," is well and honourably known as one
of the most efficient lines of vessels afloat.

The Provost married, in 1830, Christian Little, a daughter
of the Rev. Dr. Kidd, by whom he had issue four sons and
four daughters : — Stephen, Cornelius, and George, all members of
the firm of George Thompson & Co., and James ; Jane Boyd,
married to Lord Provost Sir William Henderson ; Annie, married
to John Crombie of Danestone ; Agnes Elizabeth, married to
Rev. Andrew Doak, of Trinity Free Church, Aberdeen ; and a
daughter who died young.

Provost Thompson died on the 11th April, 1895, aged ninety-
one years, while Mrs. Thompson died on the I7th Januarj^ 1874.

^ /^^"7^ ywV>v-

280 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

His portrait, painted by Sir George Reid, P.R.S.A., in recognition
of the many services rendered to the city, was hung in the Town-
Hall in 1880.

Mr. Thompson entered the Town Council in the capacity of
dean of guild in 1840, an office which he held for that and the
succeeding year. In 1842 he was returned for the First Ward,
and served for three years as a councillor. For tlie next two
years he was not in the Council, but at the November election
of 1847 he was chosen provost. During his term of office, Pro-
vost Thompson had the honour of presenting Her Majesty with
an address on the occasion of her arrival at the Victoria Dock, 7th
September, 1848, and also of offering for the Queen's acceptance
the silver keys of the city. On the same memorable occasion
the Prince Consort was admitted an honorary burgess of the
city. This visit of Her Majesty, it is worthy of observation, was
her first acquaintance with Balmoral, and remarkable for the fact
that since 1650, when Charles II. passed through Aberdeen, no
reigning sovereign had paid the city a visit. The historical occa-
sion has been ponrtrayed in the painting by Mr. P. Cleland, which
has lately come into the possession of the Corporation. The Pro-
vost in his official capacity was present at the opening, in 1848, of
the southern branch of the Aberdeen railway, and was in office
when, in 1850, the line was opened to Ferry hill. Other outstand-
ing events connected with his tenure of office were the laying
the foundation-stone of the East Poorhouse in 1848, the presenta-
tion of the freedom of the city to Sir Robert Peel in October,
1849, and the celebrations in 1850 connected with the centenary
of the opening of Robert Gordon's Hospital.

On the expiry of his term of office in November, 1850, Pro-
vost Thompson was strongly urged to allow himself to be re-
elected as provost for a second period of three years, but he did
not see his way to acquiesce, although he remained in the
Council without office for other two years.

At the general election of 1852 he reluctantly came forward
and contested the city against Sir Andrew Leith Hay, and was

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 281

successful, having polled 682 votes against his opponent's 478.
Mr. Thompson represented the city in Parliament till the general
election of 1857, when he retired. From that date till his death
he took no active part in the management of public affairs, but,
nevertheless, he never ceased to have a keen interest in every-
thing affecting the welfare and progress of the city.

In 1857, Mr. Thompson purchased the estate of Pitmedden,
D^'ce, and in 1864 he acquired that of Rannieshill, in the parish
of Newmachar.

1850-52.

cxxxii. ecovQC Ibenr^

(Council Reg., LXXIX., 88).

Provost Henry was a native of Aberdeen, and was born in
1784. He received his early education in Robert Gordon's
Hospital, and learned the trade of a weaver, which he seems to
have early abandoned, and entered the service of Hugh Gordon
and Co., better known as the Copper Company, of which he
became the
senior part-
ner. Pro-
vost Henry
was unmar-
ried at his death, which occurred on the 3rd March, 1867, at the
advanced age of eighty-two years, having by his " kind and
unostentatious manner endeared himself to all in every relation
of life with whom he came in contact."

Provost Henry was a member of the Town Council before it
was " reformed," having first entered public life in 1822. After
the passing of the Reform Act of 1833 he again entered the
Council in 1838, when he was elected master of kirk and
bridge works, and a baillie in 1841. This latter office he held
till the November election of 1849, when, on his re-election by
his constituents of the First Ward, he elected to remain a simple
37

282 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

councillor till his call to fill the civic chair in the following year,
when Provost Thompson refused to be again nominated. Pro-
vost Henry was present in his official capacity at the fetes held
in connection with the great exhibition of 1851, and subsequently
went to Paris to attend the fetes Napoleon. During his term of
office great advances were made in connection with railway
extensions locally. On the 16th March, 1850, the first railway
train entered the Ferryhill Station, and two years later the first
turf was cut of the Deeside Railway, and also of the Great North
of Scotland Railway (Kittybrewster to Huntly). He was in office
when the line from Aberdeen to Banchory was formally opened
on the 7th September, 1853.

An admirable portrait of the Provost, painted by John Phillip,
R.A., in 1845, is in possession of one of his nieces, while another
portrait, painted in 1851 for the Weaver Incorporation by John
Mitchell, hangs on the walls of the Incorporated Trades Hall.

1853-55.
130. Sm THOMAS BLAIKIE

(Council Refj., LXXX., 143).

The outbreak of the Russian war was the means of the
Council's attention being drawn to the unprotected state of the
harbour and shipping, and the Government were memorialised on
the subject. During November, 1854, the city was connected with
the south by means of the electric telegraph, while Sir Thomas'
last year of office was chiefly occupied by a renewal of the
negotiations regarding the possibility of union between the two
colleges.

1856-58.

cxxxiii. 3obn mebster of JE^gebill

(Council Beg., LXXXL, 1G9).

Provost Webster was a son of Alexander Webster, advocate
in Aberdeen, and was born in 1810. He married, in 1839,

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 283

Margaret Chalmers, a daughter of David Chalmers of Westburn,
by whom he had issue, a son, Alexander, advocate in Aberdeen.
Provost Webster, like his father, was a member of the Society
of Advocates in Aberdeen.

He entered the Council as one of the representatives of the
First Ward in November, 1853, and took a leading part in
opposing the interference and embankment of the Links by the
proposed Aberdeen, Peterhead, and Fraserburgh Railway. In the
spring of 1857 he
moved that the
British Associa-
tion should be in-
vited to the city,

and the invitation being accepted, he was one of the vice-
presidents of the meeting held here in September, 1859, which
derived distinction from the fact that the Prince Consort was
President that year, and attended the opening meeting in the
Music Hall. On the Universities question the Provost took an
active part, and on two occasions the Council voted him their
thanks for his services. He presented the silver keys of the
city to Her Majesty on the 15th October, 1857, when passing
southward from Haddo House, and during his provostship the
freedom of the city was presented to the Earl of Stanhope (26th
March, 1858), the Earl of Airlie (18th March, 1859), and Lord
John Russell (28th September, 1859). In March, 1861, he was
appointed assessor to the Lord Rector of the University, which
gave him a seat at the University Court, which he continued to
hold till 1880. The University in 1877 conferred upon him the
honorary degree of LL.D. At the general election of 1880 he
was elected as the Parliamentary representative of the city in
opposition to the late James Shaw, iron merchant, Wales, who
had only 3139 votes against Mr. Webster's 7505, and he continued
to represent the city in the Liberal interest till the general elec-
tion in November, 1885, when he retired. Provost Webster died
on the 31st May, 1891, aged eighty years.

284 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1859-65.

cxxxiv. Sir Hlejanber Bn&erson

(Council Beg., LXXXIL, 209).

Sir Alexander Anderson was the only son of Rev. Williarn
Anderson, minister of Strichen, by his wife Helen Findlay. Born
at Strichen on the 10th June, 1802, he graduated at Marischal
College in 1819, and in 1827 was admitted a member of the
Society of Advocates. Some few years later he entered into
partnership with the late William Adam, and the firm of Adam

and Anderson was in existence
till 1867, when it was dissolved.
On 26th March, 1835, he mar-
ried Rachel Johnston, elder
daughter of William Johnston
of Viewfield, by whom he had
issue two sons and two daughters — William, born 9th January,
1836, advocate in Aberdeen, died at Brisbane, Australia, IGth
January, 1873 ; Andrew, barrister-at-law of Lincoln's Inn,
called, 1865 ; Catherine Morice, married, 24th November, 1863,
to the Rev. Archibald H. Charteris, D.D., now Professor of
Biblical Criticism in the University of Edinburgh ; and Helen
Rachel, unmarried.

In 1836, along with his partner, he promoted the North of
Scotland Insurance Company, now known as the Northern
Assurance Company, and in the same year the North of Scotland
Bank was successfully floated. Following up these, the Aberdeen
Market Company was formed in 1838, and the undertaking was
finished in 1842 at a cost of nearly £42,000. His next public
acts were of the utmost importance to the community, being
nothing less than the promotion of those lines of railway which
have so benefited the city. In 1845, in face of great opposition,
he successfully carried a bill for the construction of the Aber-
deen railway between the city and Friockheim, with branches to

SiK ALEXANDER ANDERSON
OF Blelack.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 285

Brechin and Montrose. The following session, bills for the con-
struction of the Great North of Scotland Railway and the Dee-
side Railway were obtained, but owing to the panic which set in
during 1846, these works were delayed till the dates already
mentioned.

Sir Alexander entered the Council for the first time in
November, 1859, as one of the representatives of the Third Ward,
and w^as unanimously chosen lord provost. His tenure of the
chair was practically for the period from 1859 to November,
186G, but it is well to mention that on 27th March, 1800, the
Lord Provost resigned on account of a resolution passed by the
Council regarding the publication of a correspondence between
him and the Lord Justice Clerk relating to University matters.
Refusing to withdraw^ his resignation, a poll of the Third Ward
Avas taken on 26th April, when Sir Alexander was again elected,
admitted a councillor ad interim, and again called to the chair
on 7tli May. During his occupation of the chair, he formulated
a scheme for supplying the city with water by gravitation, from
the Dee, at Cairnton, near Banchory. This scheme was sanc-
tioned by the Police and Waterworks Act of 1862, and the works
were opened by the Queen on the 16th October, 1866, having
cost over £150,000. On the 13th October, 1863, the Prince
Consort's statue, at the corner of Union Terrace, was unveiled by
Her Majesty, and on the occasion Lord Provost Anderson received
the honour of knighthood in recognition of his many public
services. The unveiling of the statue of Her Majesty on the
20th September, 1866, by the Prince of Wales presented a
favourable opportunity of adding his name to the roll of
honorary burgesses of the city, which was accordingly done.
The new Grammar School in Skene Street was built in 1865,
chiefly through the Lord Provost's exertions, and before retiring
from office he successfully agitated for new Municipal buildings,
sanction for which w^as obtained by the Act of 1866. In 1861 a
riding of the outer Marches of the Freedom Lands was conducted
in great state. Sir Alexander retired from the Town Council in

286 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1866, and during his later years he successfully promoted in 1875
the Aberdeen Land Association, for the purpose of acquiring feu-
ing ground on the lands of Rubislaw and Torry, the former of
which he had acquired from George Skene of Rubislaw in 1860,
for the sum of £56,500.

As a mark of the very high esteem in which he was held by
his fellow-citizens, his portrait, subscribed for in 1872, and painted
by Sir George Reid, P.R.S.A., was presented to him, and now
hangs in the Town-Hall. A copy of this portrait is here given,
from an engraving executed four or five years ago by Mr. Robert
S. Clouston, Sir Alexander died on the 11th April, 1887, in the
eighty-fifth year of his age, having been predeceased by his wife,
who died on 13th December, 1886, in her eighty -first year. Both
are interred in S. Nicholas Churchyard, where a granite tablet
on the west wall records their deaths.

The arms recorded by Sir Alexander Anderson are, argent a
saltire engrailed between a crescent in chief, two annulets in the
flanks and a boar's head erased in base gules. These arms
appear in the stained glass in the staircase of the Court-House
buildings, and on the roof of the Town-Hall.

1866-68.

cxxxv. aie^anDev IRicol

(Council Reg., LXXXV., 414).

Lord Provost Nicol was a son of Patrick Nicol, shipowner
and insurance broker, and entered the Town Council for the

first time at November,
1847, and in the follow-
ing year he was elected
master of shoreworks.
On the occasion of the
landing of Her Majesty at Aberdeen in 1848, he was present in

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 287

his capacity as shoremaster, and also as provost of Old Aberdeen.
While acting as dean of guild he married, on 20th September,
1855, Jane Chalmers, the fifth daughter of David Chalmers of
Westburn, by whom he had issue, a son and three daughters —
George AYilliam, a member of the firm of A. Nicol & Sons, ship-
owners ; Annie, Alice, and Mary.

Lord Provost Nicol took the chief part in obtaining the
Harbour Act of 18G8, under which the diversion of the river
Dee took place, and also the formation of the South Breakwater
and extension of the North Pier. A bill dealing with the
Guildry funds was promoted in the same year, but was defeated
in its main provisions. The erection of a bridge to Torry and
the acquisition of Torry Farm were two subjects which occupied
the Council during the last year of Lord Provost Nicol's tenure
of the chair, and were the cause of much local feeling. The
Lord Provost, with his party in the Council, while willing to
favourably consider the matter as to the bridge, opposed the
purchase of Torry Farm, and the question was made a test at the
November election of 1869, when Mr. Nicol and his party were
defeated, he failing to get elected.

In his business capacity as a merchant and shipowner, he
was the owner of the first Aberdeen clipper vessel, the " Scottish
Maid," built in 1839, and the first of a class which for long upheld
the prestige of the port for fast-sailing vessels. Lord Provost
Nicol, besides his public work in connection with the Town
Council, was a Harbour Commissioner from 1841 to 1847, and
again from 1860 to 1863, while he was one of the original pro-
moters of the Association for Improving the Condition of the
Poor, of which he was chairman for many years. He died on
the 5th May, 1880.

In 1872 the Lord Provost recorded arms as follows — Parted
per pale invected azure and argent, a fess between four
mascles all counter-changed, and a specimen of the arms is to
be seen in the staircase of the Court- House buildings, and in
the Town-Hall.

288 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

1869-73.

cxxxvi. xmtlUam Xeslie ot IRetberniuir

(Council Reg., LXXXVIL, 222; LXXXVIIL, 262).

Lord Provost Leslie was an architect and builder, and a
partner in the firm of Macdonald & Leslie, granite merchants.
One of the chief works carried out by him was the erection of
Dunrobin Castle between 1845-49. He was three times married,
his first wife being Mary, a daughter of Robert Watson, manu-
facturer, Stoneywood, by his wife, Margaret Jaffray. She died
on the 21st July, 1853, aged fifty-three years ; and on the 20th
August, 1861, he married for his second wife Stansmore Read,
third daughter of Captain Richmond, inspecting commander of
coastguard, who died 11th June, 1867, aged fifty-four years.
Lord Provost Leslie married for his third wife, on the 3rd
December, 1874, Katherine E. Primrose, a daughter of the late
Rev. "William Primrose, Aberdeen.

Mr. Leslie entered the Council in 1859, but did not hold any
office till his election to the lord provost's chair in 1869. During
his period of office the diversion of the river
./r^Vx£^ /ytX^ Dee was carried out, the first turf being cut
^ on 22nd December, 1869, and the Municipal

buildings completed in 1872. In 1871 the Municipality Extension
Act was obtained, whereby the boundary of the city was much
enlarged, and the functions of the Police Commissioners were
undertaken by the Town Council. The gasworks, which up to
this date had remained the property of a private company, were
also taken over by the Council. In the same year, 26th Septem-
ber, he conferred the freedom of the city on Mr. Gladstone, " in
testimony of the estimation in which the Council held his public
services, and of his eminence as a statesman." Before he demitted
office in 1874, the Council resolved, on 21st September, to confer
the freedom of the city on the Right Hon. Benjamin Disraeli, "in
testimony of his eminence as a statesman and his distinguished

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 289

literary attainments." The compliment was accepted by Disraeli,
but a fitting occasion for formally presenting it never occurred.
In the following year he presented the keys of the city to Her
Majesty when passing through the city on her way to Dunrobin.
The extension of the North Pier, sanctioned by the Harbour Act
of 18G8, was begun in 1874, when the foundation-stone of the new
work was laid by the Duke of Edinburgh on 5th September.

In 1872, Mr. Leslie bought the estate of Nethermuir, in the
parish of New Deer, of which, it is understood, he was a native.
He was one of the promoters of the Aberdeen Jute Company, was
a Justice of the Peace, and a Deputy-Lieutenant of the County.

Lord Provost Leslie died on the 18th February, 1879, aged
seventy-seven years, having been born on the 15th March, 1802,
and is interred in the churchyard of Oldmachar.

The arms borne by the Lord Pi-ovost, and recorded in 1872,
were, parted per pale argent and or, on a bend azure between
two crosses flory gules, three buckles of the second, and a
specimen in colour is to be seen in the stained glass at the Court-
House already alluded to, and on the roof of the Town-Hall.

1874-79.

cxxxvii. (Beorge Jamieson ot IRosebanft

(Council Reg., CX., 367; CXII., 353).

Lord Provost Jamieson was born in Perth about 1809, but
came to the city early in life along with his parents, his father
having received an appointment with the Aberdeen Copper Com-
pany. While still youug, he was apprenticed to the grocery
business under the late Mr. Robert Troup, and for more than
fifty years he carried on business on his own account, latterly as
senior partner in the wholesale firm of Jamieson & Mitchell.

The first connection Mr. Jamieson had with public life was in
1839 as a member of the Police Board, where he served as a
representative of the First Ward till 1841, when he retired.
38

290 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Entering public life again, he was chosen as Jean of guild in
1860, and held the office for three years, when he entered the
Council as one of the chosen of the First Ward. In 18G6 he
again became dean, and held the office for a second trionnium.
During his occupancy of the dean's chair, Mr. Jamieson took an
active part in endeavouring to get the affairs of the Guildry
transferred to the management of the guild brethren, and a bill to

effect this was drafted

/^ / I /\ in 1861, another in

^.i^i'^^l^ W ^X/vi^ ^^'^^^^'^-p 1868, and the agita-

^^ yf -*" ""^ tion was renewed in

1877, but the endea-
vours to arrive at a
settlement of this long-
standing dispute as to the management of the funds were un-
successful on each occasion. In other matters coming before the
Council he took a leading part, and closely identified himself
with the work carried out by Sir Alexander Anderson and Lord
Provost Nicol.

On relinquishing the deanship in 1869, Mr. Jamieson retired
from the Council till 1872 when he was returned unopposed as
one of the representatives of the Fourth Ward, and in November,
1874, he was elected to the chair, which he held for a period of
six years. During his term of office as lord provost the balance
of the improvements contemplated under the Harbour Act of
1868 were carried out, and " Provost Jamieson's Quay " is a
reminder of the part he took in the promotion of the Harbour
Act of 1879. A proposal to carry out an Improvement Bill in
1876, which provided, among other things, for the conveying of
the sewage of the city across the Don to Murcar links, met with
so much opposition that it was abandoned. The rebuilding of
the East Church and S. Nicholas tower, and the construction of
the Victoria Bridge over the Dee to Torry, were works of public
importance carried out during his regime. The opening of the
new Post Office in October, 1875, the meeting of the Social

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 291

Science Congress in September, 1877, the collection and ad-
ministration of a fund for the relief of the sufferers by the
failure of the City of Glasgow Bank, and the abolition, on 1st
September, 1879, of the Bell and Petty customs, were also events
that came within the period embraced by his provostship. Other
schemes conceived but not carried to completion were the pur-
chase of ground at Allenvale — the first step towards carrying out
the Duthie Park ; the converting of the wooded bank at Union
Terrace into a public garden, and the purchase of ground for a
projected street to Rosemount where Esslemont Avenue now is.

Besides his work in the Town Council, Lord Provost Jamie-
son was chairman of S. Nicholas Parochial Board from 1864 to
1868, a director of the North of Scotland Bank and other public
companies, and for several years he was chairman of the Aberdeen
District Tramways Company.

Lord Provost Jamieson was twice married, his first wife being
Ann Henry, a niece of Provost Henry (132), who died on 22nd
December, 1858, aged forty-eight years, and his second wife, whom
he married on 2nd February, 1875, Mary, daughter of George
Milne of Kinaldie, and widow of the Rev. T. A. Dawson, of Mony-
musk. By his first marriage he had no family, but by his second
marriage he had a daughter, Georgina Eva. On the occasion of
his second marriage the Lord Provost was presented by the Town
Council and Harbour Commissioners with a piece of silver plate.

Mr. Jamieson died at his residence, 19 Queen's Road, on the
2nd February, 1893, aged eighty-four years.

1880-82.

cxxxvni. petei- Esslemont

(Covncil Beg., XCIV., 165).

Lord Provost Esslemont was the son of Peter Esslemont,
farmer, by his wife Ann Connon, and was born at Balnakettle, in
the parish of Udny, in 1834. His education was received at the

292 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

parish school, and at an early age he became apprenticed to Mr.
William Shirras, wholesale draper and manufacturer in Aberdeen.
In 1858 Mr. Esslemont commenced business on his own account,
and latterly, in partnership with Mr. William Macintosh and his
two sons, George B. and James Esslemont, he carried on a large
wholesale and retail trade.

Mr. Esslemont entered the Town Council for the first time at
the November election of 1869 as one of the members for the

Second Ward, having, along
with the late Baillie George
Robb, fought and defeated
the opponents of the scheme
for the purchase of Torry farm. As a member of the " Party of
Progress," Mr. Esslemont devoted considerable attention to all the
details of the Municipality Extension Act of 1871, which provided
for the amalgamation of the Police Board with the Town Council,
the extension of the boundary, and the purchase of the gasworks.
At the election in November, 1871, occasioned by this Act, he was
again returned for the Second Ward, became a magistrate the
same year, and senior baillie in 1874. Retiring from the Council
at November, 1875, Mr. Esslemont served a term of three years as
a member of the School Board, and at the election of 1877 he
came forward as the opponent of Mr. Jamieson, the retiring lord
provost, but, failing to get elected, he was, on 3rd December, 1877,
chosen as a councillor ad interim in place of Baillie Robert
Urquhart, who had died quite suddenly. The following year he
was returned unopposed, and was elected to the magistracy as
fifth baillie. On the retirement of Lord Provost Jamieson at
November, 1880, Mr. Esslemont expressed his willingness to
waive his claim to the chair in favour of Mr. James Matthews,
but the latter not then seeing his way to accept office, Mr. Essle-
mont, who had again been returned unopposed, was elected lord
provost. His tenure of ofiice was marked by the completion of
many works of great public utility, while a scheme of improve-
ments was inaugurated, which, as now carried out, has proved

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 293

of the greatest possible convenience to the city generally. In
1881 Parliamentary sanction was obtained for carrying out
additions to the waterworks, and the purchase of the estate of
Arthurseat for the purpose of the munificent gift of a public
park by Miss Duthie of Ruthrieston. On 2nd July, 1881, the
Victoria Bridge was opened for traffic, and on the 27th August of
the same year the first turf of the Duthie Park was cut. Tiie
following year saw the demolition of the old weigh-house, and a
commencement made with the erection of new harbour offices,
and the construction of a graving dock, while a direct access was
obtained to the Rosemount district by the opening up of Rose
Street and the formation of Esslemont Avenue. Lord Provost
Esslemont took also an active interest in the movement for hav-
ing a suitable building for an Art Gallery and Museum, which
resulted in the erection of the gallery at Schoolhill, and before
the expiry of his term he had the pleasure of seeing this building
almost finished, and made complete by an important adjunct, in
the School of Art gifted by the late Councillor John Gray. On
the 27th September, 1883, the Duthie Park was opened with
great ceremony by H.R.H. Princess Beatrice, and on 3rd Novem-
ber, a few days before demitting office, he conferred the freedom
of the city on the Earl of Aberdeen and the Rt. Hon. Sir Richard
A. Cross, M.P. In connection with the various institutions in
the city the Lord Provost took great interest, and in none more
so than in Robert Gordon's Hospital, which, during his provost-
ship was transformed, in 1881, into a college for secondary
and technical education. Mr. Esslemont's provostship, however,
will be most remembered for the extensive Improvement Act
carried through in 1883, which provided new accesses to the
Rosemount and Ferryhill districts, a direct road to the Links,
and the improvement of several other streets in the city, besides
considerably extending the boundaries of the burgh. Although
all the powers contained in the Act have not been exercised, it
will still rank as one of the most important Acts that have been
passed for the improvement and beautifying of the city.

294 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

At the expiry of his term of three years in November, 1883,
Mr. Esslemont did not seek re-election, but in 1885 he became the
Liberal candidate for East Aberdeenshire, and was elected over
his opponent, Mr. Gordon of Esslemont, by a majority of 8,354
votes. In 1886, and again in 1892, his seat was contested, but
on each occasion he was returned by a large majority over his
opponents, and continued to represent the constituency till
December, 1892, when his appointment as Chairman of the
Scotch Fishery Board terminated his Parliamentary career,

Mr. Esslemont was twice married, his first wife, whom he
married on 14th July, 1857, being Georgina Anna, only daughter
of George Birnie, brewer, Strichen. Mrs. Esslemont died on
17th November, 1871, aged thirty-seven years, and in 1876 Mr.
Esslemont married as his second wife Mary Anna, only daughter
of the late Rev. W. Bradford Sherwood. By these marriages
there was a family of five sons and five daughters.

Recognition of Mr. Esslemont's services to the community
was made on the 10th November, 1885, when his portrait,
painted by Sir George Reid, P.R.S A., was handed over to the
Town Council by a large and representative body of subscribers,
for preservation in the Town-Hall. In 1896 a bronze bust of
the Lord Provost, from the model of F. Edwin Elwell, S.A.A.,
was presented by subscribers to the Art Gallery.

Mr. Esslemont died at his residence, 34 Albyn Place, on the
8th August, 1894, aged sixty years.

1883-85.

cxxxix. James /[Dattbews of SprinobtlU

Lord Provost Matthews is the oldest son of the late Peter
Matthews, teller in the Commercial Bank of Aberdeen, by his
wife, Margaret Ross, j'^oungest daughter of William Ross, archi-
tect and builder, who erected the Union Bridge. Receiving his
education in Aberdeen, Mr. Matthews was apprenticed to the late

JAMES MATTHEWS
OF Spkinghill.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 295

Archibald Simpson, architect, and afterwards spent five years in
the office of the late Sir Gilbert Scott, London, pursuing his
profession. On returning to Ids native city he began business ou
his own account, and latterly in partnership with Mr. A. Marshall
Mackenzie, A.R.S.A., the firm has carried out many important
works. Mr. Matthews' originality and ability have been stamped
on such buildings as the Grammar School, Free Church College,
Town and County Bank buildings. Palace buildings, the Free
West Church, Music Hall, Rubislaw Terrace, and country
mansions, such as Ardo, Brucklay Castle, Desswood, Glack, Mon-
boddo, Brotherton, Stoneywood, Ellon, Warthill, Rothie-Norman,
Ballogie, and Inglismaldie. Some of the work carried out by the
firm have been no less important, as the Northern Assurance
buildings. Harbour offices, Art Gallery and Gray's School of
Art, Free South Church, &c.

Mr. Matthews entered the Town Council in November, 1863,
as the colleague of Sir Alexander Anderson for the Third Ward,
and held his seat for that ward till the election in November,
1871, when he did not seek re-election as under the provisions of
the Act of that year, the
whole Council retired.
As already noticed,
Mr. Matthews was
approached in 1880, on the retirement of Lord Provost Jamieson,
with a view to his accepting the chair, but not seeing his way to
accept office at that time, he did not enter the Council till the
November election of 1883, when, elected for Rubislaw Ward, he
was chosen lord provost. Prior to this date, however, Mr.
Matthews had served a term of three years (1879-1882) as a
member of the School Board.

The work connected with the carrying out of the Improve-
ments Act of 1883 was entered upon at once, and Mr. Matthews'
practical experience was of great value in connection with the
im.portant works sanctioned by the Act. During the three years
covered by Mr. Matthews' provostship the Rosemount Viaduct

I /

296 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

was constructed, the Riverside Road opened up as an access to
the Duthie Park, a provisional order, applied for in 1884) to
improve the area known as the Shorelands, was put in operation,
and in 1885 an Act was passed conferring powers to obtain a larger
supply and increase the storage of water for the city. On the
25th March, 1884, the Public Libraries Act was adopted, and the
Directors of the Mechanics' Institution handed over their library
and the building in Market Street as the nucleus of a public
library ; and in December of the same year the Art Gallery was
completed and formally opened. Several public ceremonies of
more than passing interest took place during Mr. Matthews' term,
as on 28th August, 1884, when Their Royal Highnesses, the
Prince and Princess of Wales, presented new colours to the 3rd
Battalion Gordon Highlanders (Militia) ; the presentation of the
freedom of the city to the Earl of Rosebery, on 17th September
of the same year, in recognition of the " high appreciation of
his personal character and distinguished abilities, and the promi-
nent part he has taken in public affairs ; " the meeting of the
Trades Union Congress in September, 1884, and the following
year that of the British Association from the 9th to the 17th
September, during which Mr. Matthews had a large house party
at Springhill.

Mr. Matthews married on 2nd June, 1846, Eliza, daughter
of William Duncan, merchant in Aberdeen, and a sister of the
late Charles Duncan, advocate and procurator-fiscal for the
county, by whom he had issue one son, James Duncan, who died
24th November, 1891, aged thirty-nine years, and four daugh-
ters. Mr. Matthews purchased the estate of Springhill, near
Aberdeen, in 1883, from the trustees of the Misses M'Pherson.

The Lord Provost had the honorary degree of LL.D. conferred
upon him by the University, during the celebrations connected
with the completion of the Mitchell Tower and Graduation Hall,
and in vacating the chair, at the expiry of his term, the Town
Council adopted the following resolution : — " That the Town
Council desire to record their thanks to Lord Provost Matthews

Sir WILLIAM HENDERSON
OF Devanha.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 297

for his valuable services to the city and community during his
occupancy of the civic chair, and their appreciation of the
ability and courtesy with which he has discharged the onerous
and important duties of the office."

1886-88.

CXL. Sir llClilliam IfjenDerson ot Devanba Ibouse.

Lord Provost Sir William Henderson is the son of James
Henderson, by his wife Helen Thomson, and was born at
Aberdour (Aberdeenshire) in 1826. At an early age he was
apprenticed to the North of Scotland Bank, and in 1850 became
a partner in the firm

of George Thompson ^/^""^^ ^^^^

and Co., shipowners. /^ jT^^* ''VV^^ y^ ^JL^^

1854 he resided in
London,

and commencing the business of the firm of which he is now the
senior partner, but afterwards returning to the city, he has
resided at Devanha House, which he acquired in 1857. The firm
of George Thompson & Co. have pioneered an entirely new route
of monthly steamers from London, to and from Australia, via
Cape Town, and they carry the mails between South Africa and
Australia. Their fleet of steamers and sailing ships during a year
cover a distance of no less than 578,000 knots.

The Lord Provost's first entry into public life was in Decem-
ber, 1869, when he became one of the elected Harbour Com-
missioners, and this connection he maintained till December,
1881. He was President of the Chamber of Commerce during
1874-5, and entered the Town Council at the November election
of 1885 as a representative of Ferry hill Ward, and a probable
candidate for the chair, to which he was unanimously elected the
following year.
39

298 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

During his tenure of the provostship several important works
were carried out at the harbour, specially the construction of a
cattle landing stage and sheds, and the erection of a new fish
market and wharf. Two splendid statues were added to the scanty
number possessed by the city ; the first, unveiled on 19th June,

1888, of General C. G. Gordon, was presented by the members of
the clan Gordon, and that of Sir William Wallace, unveiled on
the 29th of the same month, was provided through the liberality
of the late John Steill of Edinburgh. On the latter occasion the
ceremony of unveiling was performed by the Marquis of Lome,
and advantage was taken of his presence in the city to add his
name to the roll of honorary burgesses, "in recognition of his high
personal character, and his services while Governor-General of
the Dominion of Canada," The interesting ceremony of riding
the marches of the burgh's freedom lands, which had not taken
place since 1861, was carried out in great style on 4th September,

1889, and proved a most enjoyable outing to the large company
who took part in the perambulation of the marches. A resolu-
tion of the Council, adopted on 6th June, 1887, that an official
robe should be provided for the lord provost, was really a reviv-
ing of the old act of Council, passed in 1743, that the chief
magistrate should wear a distinctive dress. The robe was first
worn by Mr. Henderson on the occasion when he attended the
Queen's Jubilee service in Westminster Abbey. Mr. Henderson's
triennium was rendered specially memorable from the fact that
he inaugurated and successfully carried out a large extension of
the Royal Infirmary buildings as a local commemoration of Her
Majesty's Jubilee in 1887. The sum raised was considerably over
£30,000, and in recognition of the Lord Provost's handsome dona-
tion and interest in the matter, one of the wards in the new
surgical pavilion was named after him. The inscription in the
ward records that this honour was done " in commemoration of
his services as original promoter of the Jubilee Hospital Exten-
sion Scheme, toward which he contributed handsomely, other
large sums being also obtained through his personal influence."

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 299

It is acknowledged that, in accommodation and furnishinga, the
hospital, by these extensions, has now been placed in a position
second to none in the kingdom. An address of congratulation
from the Town Council, on the attainment of her jubilee was
presented to Her Majesty at Windsor Castle, on the 27th June,
1887, by the Lord Provost and Town Clerk.

On his retirement from the chair in 1889, the Town Council
adopted the following resolution : — " In concluding their labours
under the presidency of Lord Provost Henderson, the magistrates
and Town Council desire to express their recognition of the
ability and courtesy which he has displayed in the occupancy of
the chair, as well as their appreciation of the important services
rendered by his lordship to the city and community of Aberdeen."

Lord Provost Henderson married on 17th February, 1852,
Jane Boyd, eldest daughter of Provost Thompson (131), by whom
he had issue six sons and eight daughters. Mrs. Henderson died
at Devanha House on the 22nd April, 1889.

In 1893 the Lord Provost received the honour of knighthood,
and at the University celebrations of 1895 the honorary degree
of LL.D. was conferred upon him. Sir William is a deputy-
lieutenant for Aberdeenshire, and a director of the North of
Scotland Bank and the Scottish Employers' Liability and Acci-
dent Insurance Company,

The Town Council having resolved in April, 1891, to add his
armorial bearings to those already on the roof of the Town-Hall,
he recorded arms the following year as follows— Azure three
piles or, in base a tower triple-towered argent, masoned sable,
doors and windows gules, on a chief ermine a crescent of the first,
between two stars of six points of the third ; motto, " Sola virtus
nobilitat."

1889-94.

CXLI. Sic Davit) Stewart of JSancbor^.

Lord Provost Sir David Stewart is the eldest son of the late
Mr. John Stewart of Banchory and Leggart, by his wife Mary

300 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

Irvine. Born in 1835, he received his education at Dr. Tulloch's
Academy, the Gymnasium, and King's College, where he gradu-
ated M.A. in 1855, and thereafter joined his father in business as
a member of the firm of Messrs. S. R. Stewart & Co., the largest
combmaking industry in the world.

Sir David Stewart commenced his public life as president of
the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, which he held for two
years, 1883-84, and in 1885 he was elected dean of guild, and for

the subsequent four
years held that office,
being unanimously
re-elected each year.
He also served for
three years, 1885-88, as a member of the School Board, and in
November, 1889, he entered the Town Council as one of the
representatives of Ferryhill Ward, and was elected lord provost.
At the expiry of his term of three years in 1892, the Lord Pro-
vost, at the unanimous request of his fellow-councillors, and the
members of the Harbour Board, agreed to serve for a further
period of two years, which was ultimately extended to the full
triennium. In April of the same year he was entertained by the
Town Council and Harbour Commissioners to a complimentary
dinner.

During the six years of Lord Provost Stewart's regime much
important work was accomplished by the Town Council, foremost
amongst which must be classed the Aberdeen Corporation Act of
1891. This Act extended the city boundary so as to include Old
Aberdeen, Woodside, and Torry, thus making the area of the city
6,694 acres, the largest, with the exception of Glasgow, of any
town in Scotland. This extension has placed the city in a
position to control the public health, roads, sewers, &c., within
such an area as will provide for the future expansion of the city
on lines which will prove of the greatest advantage to the citizens
generally. In 1893 an Act was obtained for the purpose of largely
extending the gasworks and increasing the storage capacity for

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 801

water, and especially to provide, by means of irrigation farms at
Kincardine O'Neil, Aboyne, Ballater, and Braemar, for the purifi-
cation of the water supply. The opening of the public library
buildings at Schoolhill Viaduct on 5th July, 1892 ; new burgh
court-house and police buildings in Lodge Walk, in September,
1895 ; a new bathing station at the sea beach, and a large
extension of the City Hospital, were works initiated and partly
completed during his provostship. The improvement of Union
Terrace, the widening of Justice Street, the opening up of Huntly
Street, and the improvement at Berryden Road, might be men-
tioned as among the more important of the street improvements
carried out, while the improvement of the Exchequer Row area
was planned and passed by the Town Council. Mrs. Stewart, in
presence of the Town Council, on 27th February, 1894, in-
augurated within the Town House, the electric lighting of the
city. At Woodside a new public park was opened on 9th June,
1894, as part of the agreement under the Act of 1891, and in
compliment to the Lord Provost it was named after him. The
opening of the new surgical pavilion and other buildings at the
Royal Infirmary by H.R.H. Princess Louise, on 4th October, 1892 ;
the opening of the sale of the North-Eastern Branch of the
Home Lidustries Association by H.R.H. the Princess Beatrice, on
the 14th of the same month ; the presentation of the freedom
of the city to W. A. Hunter, M.P., 7th February, 1890 ; H. M.
Stanley, 17th June, 1890 ; and Andrew Carnegie, 5th July, 1892;
the acceptance on behalf of the city of a statue of Burns, at
Union Terrace, 15th September, 1892 ; and another of Her
Majesty, the gift of the Royal tradesmen, in 1893 ; the presenta-
tion of an address to the Duke of York on 25th July, 1894, while
attending the show of the Highland and Agricultural Society of
Scotland, may be mentioned among some of the many official duties
which fell to be discharged by the Lord Provost. As the result of
a local inquiry held in December, 1894, the parishes of S. Nicholas,
Old Machar, and Nigg, so far as within the city boundary, were
amalgamated into one, as the Aberdeen City parish.

302 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

In Harbour matters also much fell to be done during these
six years. The Fish Market in Commercial Road, opened in
1889, had to be extended to 1,000 feet — or doubled in extent — by
1891, while new wharves were erected at Albert Basin costing
£20,000, cattle sheds at Pocra at an outlay of £5,200 ; the
navigation channel deepened, Market Quay greatly improved,
and a resolution adopted to rebuild Regent Bridge and widen
Regent Qua}^ Altogether, during the period from 1889 to 1895,
new works costing £87,000, were paid for, while the liabilities of
the Trust were reduced by over £54,000, and yet, notwithstand-
ing this, an Act was obtained in 1895, by which an adjustment
of rates was made, resulting in a relief to traders of £4,000 per
annum, and this was followed in 1896 by a second reduction
representing a further sum of £8,000 a year.

In 1889 the Lord Provost became, ex officio, a member of the
newly-constituted University Court, and his name will always be
most honourably associated with the large scheme of building
extension subsequently carried out at Marischal College. As a
member of the Town Council and University Court, his interest
in the scheme was very great, and he had the satisfaction
during his term of getting the Council to promote a Bill to
enable the University to acquire the ground on which the new
buildings are to be erected, and of seeing considerably over
£100,000 contributed towards the object in view, of which the
late Charles Mitchell, LL.D., gave £21,000, the Government,
£40,000; the Town Council, £10,000, and the Lord Provost,
£1,000. On his retirement from the civic chair in 1895, Sir
David Stewart was chosen by the Lord Rector as his assessor at
the University Court, and his experience and interest were thus
retained for the welfare of the University for a further period.
At the celebrations in 1895 his exertions on behalf of his Alma
Mater were recognised by the conferring on him of the honorary
degree of LL.D.

At the general election in July, 1895, the Lord Provost, on
the pressing invitation of the Unionist Association, came forward

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 303

as their candidate for South Aberdeen, in opposition to Dr. James
Bryce, the sitting member, but he was unsuccessful, having polled
3,121 votes against 8,985 for Dr. Bryce.

Lord Provost Stewart's success and acceptability in the civic
chair gained for him a great popularity with all classes of the
community, which was second only to the esteem in which he was
held by his fellow councillors, as is testified by the unanimous
adoption by the Town Council of the following minute, on his
retirement: — " In concluding their labours under the presidency of
Lord Provost Stewart, the Town Council desire to place on record
their appreciation of the services which his lordship has rendered
to the city and community of Aberdeen. Elected unanimously
for a second time to the office of Lord Provost, he has, by his
ability, tact, and geniality, assisted greatly in carrying on the
vai'ied business which ha>^ occupied the attention of the Council.
In demitting office, Lord Provost Stewart will, no doubt, carry
with him many pleasing reminiscences of his occupancy of the
civic chair, but the Council trust that not the least among these
will be the assurance of the esteem and regard in which he is
held by those with whom he has been associated in municipal
life."

Sir David Stewart married, on 19th July, 1860, Margaret
Dyce, eldest daughter of Principal David Brown, by his wife
Catherine Dyce, and a grand-daughter of Provost Alexander
Brown (127), by whom he had five sons and six daughters, of
whom David Brown Douglas and William Dyce are members of
the firm of S. R. Stewart & Co.

On 20th March, 1896, the Lord Provost's portrait, painted by
W. Q. Orchardson, R.A., was handed over to the custody of the city
by a large body of subscribers, representative of the city and
county, while at the same time a piece of silver plate was pre-
sented to Mrs. Stewart. A few months later the honour of
knighthood was conferred on Mr. Stewart at Balmoral, and this
additional recognition of his public services was received with the
liveliest satisfaction by the community. Sir David Stewart is a

304 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

deputy-lieutenant of Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire, a livery-
man of the city of London, and a director of the Great North of
Scotland Railway, and the Northern Assurance Company. In
January of 1895, Mr. Stewart endowed, at a cost of £600, a bed
in the Sick Children's Hospital called the "Banchory House" Cot.
In 1891 the Lord Provost recorded arms as follows — Or, a
fess chequy azure and argent between two leopards' faces in
chief gules, and a galley in base sable, flagged of the fourth ;
motto, " Salus per Christum." These arms are included in the
series on the roof of the Town Hall, and are cut in relief on the
parapet wall behind the Burns statue at Union Terrace.

1895—

CXLH. Daniel /iDearns.

Lord Provost Daniel Mearns is the youngest son of the late

Daniel Mearns, shipmaster in Aberdeen, by his wife Helen Adam,

youngest daughter of the late William Adam, merchant and

A /7 manufacturer in the Green, and one

p" — Y^ of the largest importers of hemp

A /// / ' ^iid flax from Russia in the early

"^'^^ ^ / /-^ ^t.'vv^-^ k yg,^^g q£ ^jj-g century. He has for

/ ) long period been closely associated

\J with the shipping industry, and

has within recent years done much to make Aberdeen what it is

as one of the greatest fishing centres in the kingdom.

The Lord Provost entered the Town Council at November
1876, as one of the members of the First Ward, afterwards
known as S. Clements, and during the past twenty years has
represented that ward at the Council, having been returned on
each occasion when a poll was demanded by the greatest number
of votes in his ward, a distinction perhaps unique in municipal
annals. His service at the Harbour Board runs concurrently
with that at the Council Board, and he was master of shoreworks

DANIEL MKARNS.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 305

for three years from November, 1883, a magistrate for a similar
period from March, 1886, and again from November, 1891, till his
election to the chair.

During this long period of service, the Lord Provost has
taken an active part in most of the schemes coming before the
Council, especially in those dealing with the maintenance and
improvement of the streets of the city, having acted for over
eleven years as convener of that department. In the Shorelands
Improvement Scheme he also took considerable interest, and
the new street formed through the area was named Mearns
Street in acknowledgment of that fact. In addition to the
interest he took in municipal work, the Lord Provost has also
been one of the most active members of the Harbour Board, and
it is mainly to his efforts that the entrance channel, for many
years regarded by the seafaring community as dangerous, has
been put into its present safe condition. The provision of a
graving dock, which has been the means of bringing and keep-
ing so much work amongst the artisans of the city, was intro-
duced into the Act of 1879 chiefly on his initiative. The fish
market, the formation of the fish dock, or Albert Basin, the new
harbour and other facilities presently being extended to Torry,
now within the city, are works with which his name will always
be associated. He also interested himself considerably in push-
ing forward the Harbour Commissioners Bill of last year,
whereby the traders of the port were greatly relieved in the
matter of harbour dues, and put on better terms to compete
with their friends in the south. Since taking the chair in
November, 1895, the provisional order for dealing with the
Exchequer Row area became law ; a new model lodging-house at
East North Street has been resolved upon at a cost of £11,000
also new workshops and fire-engine station at King Street at an
estimated outlay of £16,500. The new bathing station at the
beach has been opened, and negotiations have been completed
w^hereby great improvements "will be effected in the widening of
many of the suburban roads at little or no cost to the community.

806

Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

One of the latest official acts of the Lord Provost was the
presentation, in September, 1896, of an address of welcome to the
Tsar and Tsaritsa on the occasion of their visit to Balmoral.

The services of the Lord Provost to his native city have not
been allowed to pass without recognition, for, in 1895, besides
being the recipient of several costly gifts, his bust in marble by
D. W. Stevenson, RS.A., was presented by a large number of
subscribers for preservation in the Art Gallery. The bust repre-
sents him wearing the robe and chain of office of a magistrate,
and is an excellent specimen of the sculptor's art.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 307

APPENDIX.

I. — Complaint to the Privy Council against Thomas Menzies of Kirkhill
and Durn, and the family of Menzies — Ibth S:'j)fember, 1590,
page 112.*

" Complaint by the ' haill communitie, burgessis and craftismen of
the Burgh of Abirdene ' as follows : — ' The auncient liberties and previ-
legeis of the said burgh, especialie anent the free electioun of magis-
tratis thairof, hes bene thir fourescoir yeiris bigane pervertit and
abrogat be the unlauchfull usurpatioun of the provestrie be the race of
Menzeissis, and of all utheris cheiflf officeis of the same be thame, tliair
kin, freindis and allya, expres aganis the lovable constitutionis of this
realme and Actis of Parliament ; and the saidis complenaris foriseing
the grite hurte and detriment of the commounwele of the said burgh
proceding upon the misreule and misgovernament of the saidis personis,
cheiflie in the delapidating, spending and waisting of the commoun
gude and rentis thairof, sufferring of the commoun werkis and uther
policie of the same to decay and becum ruynous, abstracting, selling
and disponing upoun the artaillierie and munitioun quhilk suld have
bene keipit and augmentit for defens of the said burgh in tyme of
foreyne persute, setting and disponing upoun the commoun rentis
without consent of the saidis complenaris, and in doing and undoing of
all uthiris thingis at thair plesour, — the saidis complenaris in respect
this mater tuicheit thame in speciall, seeing thay have borne and beiris
the burding of the haill chargeis, taxationis and impositionis of the
said burgh, and are cheiflie interest in cais ony inconvenient happiu
thairto, hes, at divers tymes heirtofoir, craved and desirit the saidis
provestis, baillies and counsaill that, be commoun consent of the haill

* Privy Council Records, Vol. IV., p. 533.

308 Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

inhabitantis, sumgude reformatioun micht be maid in materis concerning
the conimoun weill and policie of the same ; speciallie, that ane coun-
saill suld be electit of the maist indifferent personis, craftismen, and
burgessis, ane or twa at the maist of ane freindship ; that the office of
commoun clerkship suld be disponit be free vote and electioun ; that
the small custumes, commoun landis, takkis and uthiris casualiteis,
commoun rentis and gude of the said burgh, micht be yeirlie roupit
and sett to the best availl, conforme to the use and consuetude of uthiris
burrowis ; that compt micht be yeirlie maid of the commoun gude ;
that the auld evidentis, tounis buikis, registeris thairof, and buikis of the
new and auld constitutionis concerning the positive lawis and actis maid
be thair predicessouris, micht be brocht to licht and putt in sure custodie
and keiping in sum neutrall and indifferent menis handis ; and that
sindrie utheris abuses and enormiteis within the said burgh micht be
repairit and reformeit. Quhilkis thair maist equitable demandis hes
bene from tyme to tyme denyit be the saidis provest baillies and
counsaill, and they, in the meantyme, continew in the unlauchfull
dispositioun of the saidis commoun rentis and uthiris foirsaidis to thair
aune freindis and utheris of thair factioun and societie ; quhairthrow
the same is now sa dismeraberit that it will skairslie beir furth the
chargeis of the commissionaris direct to Parliamentis and Generall
Counsallis, mekle les repair the decayit werkis of the said burgh, sua
that with tyme the haill commoun werkis and policie thairof will
utterlie decay.' Charge had been duly given to Mr. Thomas Menzeis of
Durne, provost ; Thomas Menzeis, his son and apparent heir ; Alex-
ander Forbes, Thomas Buk, baillies ; William Menzeis elder ; Robert
Menzeis of Tullois, David Menzeis younger ; David Menzeis elder, and
certain others of the Council of the said burgh to appear this day and
answer to the said complaint ; and now Mr. Johnne Cheyne and Andro
King, with sundry others of the pursuers, appearing personally, and
the said Mr. Thomas Menzeis, Thomas Menzeis, and Thomas Buk
being also present, with sundry of their colleagues, the King, with
advice of his Council, ordains the said provost, baillies, council, deacons
of the crafts, and others having vote in the election of magistrates
within the said burgh, * to proceid to the electioun of the same magis-
trates and utheris publict officiaris within the same burgh in like forme
and maner as they have done the twa or three yeiris preceding,' in

Lord Pi'ovoi^ts of Aberdeen. 800

presence of Ogilvy of Findlettir, living of Drum, Mr. James Johnns-
toun, burgess of Edinburgh ; Robert Andirsoun, burgess of Perth ; and
Kobert Flesheour, burgess of Dundee ; to whom, or any four of them
conjunctly (the lairds of Findlettir and Drum to be always two), the
King gives commission to see and report to His Majesty and Council
• the samin forme and maner of electioun, togidder with thair owin
opinionis quhidder thai think the same electioun mcit to be allowit
or alterit.' "

II. — Jet of Parliament* in favour of Sir Hubert Farquhar of Mounio
—ISthJuhi, \GU,page 153.

The Estates of Parliament presentlie convenit be vertew of the last
Act of the last Parliament Haldine be his Matie. and thrie Estates in
Anno 1641. Haveing hard and considdered ane supplicatione givine
in to them be Mr. Robert Ferqi"- merchant burges of Aberdene Desyre-
ing payment of the soume of ane hundred thertie thrie thousand ane
hundreth and tuo pundis tuelfe shillings i'^- Scots money adebted and
awand to him be the Publict and Estates of this Kingdome Wilke
wes payable to him at Whitsonday 1643 yeeres conforme to ane Act of
the Committie for the commoun burdings the first of Apryle 1643, As
also craveing payment of the @ rentes of the soume abovewritten sen
the said terme of Whitsonday 1643 as is appoynted be the Act foirsaid
as the samene Act and supplicatione produced and red in audience of
the parliament more fully proportes The Estates finds the desyre of
the supplicatione just] and reasounable and Therfore they ordeane Mr.
Robert Ferc^'- supplicant to be satisfied and payed of the foirsaid soume of
one hundred threttie thrie thousand ane hundreth and tuo pundis 12^- 4^^-
Scots money and of the (g rentes thereof sen Whitsonday 1643 yeeres
out of the fynes foirfaultores and borrowed moueyes for the vse of the
publict within the shereflfdomes and boundis contenit [in] the com-
missione granted be the estates of Parliament to the Northerne busi-
ness and that eftir Archbald Marques of Argile and George Jemisoune
Proveist of Couper beis payed of tlie soumes conteyned in the preceptes

Acts of Parliament, VI., p. 170.

810 Meinorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, and

rexiue granted to them be the saides estates, And thereby appoynted
to be payed out of the fynes foirfaul tores and borrowed moneyes within
the boundis conteyned in the said Commissioune And for the suppli-
cantes bettir payment The Estates be thir pntes. Gives warrand and
command To the Comr*- and collectores for the publict within the
boundis of the said Commissioune to make payment to the said Mr.
Eobert Ferq'- supplicant or any haveand his warrand of his said soume
abovementioned, and of the @ rentes therof sen Whitsonday 1643
yeeres out of the soumes to be exacted borrowed or onywayes collected
be them or ony of them rexiue perteaneing to the publict be way of
fyne foirfaultor or leuing within the boundis of the said commissione
Ay and whill the said Mr. Robert Ferq>'- be paid of his said soume @
rentes therof The Marques of Argile and George Jamisoune being
allwayes first paid of the said soumes rexiue conforme to these saidis
preceptes Q""- anent thir pntes. shall be ane sufficient warrand.

III. — Governors of Aberdeen.

(a) Sir ALEXANDER IRVINE of Drum, 1440-41.

The murder of James I. at Perth in 1437 threw the country into
such a turmoil that the citizens were glad to avail themselves of the
services of this worthy knight for their protection, and in 1440 and
again in the following year the burgesses appointed him Captain and
Governor of the burgh. He was the first and last person who held
such a position with the unanimous consent of the whole community.

The Christian name of this laird of Drum Avas Robert, but, succeed-
ing to the estates on the death of his brother, Alexander, at the battle
of Harlaw in 1411, he adopted his name, and, it is said, took up his
brother's obligations so far as to marry his bride, Elizabeth Keith,
the second daughter of Sir Robert Keith, Marischal of Scotland. The
issue of the marriage was two sons, Alexander, younger of Drum, and
a son who distinguished himself at the battle of Brechin in 1452.

The brass to the memory of Sir Alexander and his lady, as well as.
their effigies, are stili to be seen in the Drum Aisle of S. Nicholas, but
owing to the blanks in the inscription, the date of their deaths is
uncertain.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 311

(b) WILLIAM MOIR of Lonmay, 1745.

The short-lived rebellion of 1745, unlike that of the '15, did not
produce a Jacobite provost in Aberdeen, and so when Lord Lewis
Gordon was appointed by Prince Charles, Lieutenant of the Counties of
Aberdeen and Banff, he in turn nominated William Moir to be
Governor of Aberdeen, and this position he held till the advance of
Cumberland's troops in the spring of 1746 rendered it dangerous to
exercise the duties longer.

William Moir came of a strong Jacobite family, being the eldest
son of James Moir, II. of Stoneywood, by his second wife, Jean, a
daughter of Alexander Abernethy of Mayen. He married a sister of
General Fullerton of Dudwick, and had issue, William, his heir, and
three daughters, Isabella, Catherine, and Jean, married to William
Cumine of Pittulie in Buchan.

IV. — Chief Magistrates of Old Aberdeen and JFoodside.

By virtue of the Aberdeen Corporation Act, 1891, the boundaries
of the city were enlarged so as to include the burgh of barony of Old
Aberdeen and the police burgh of Wood side. Torry, which was also
included, was erected into a burgh of barony in 1495, but no trace
has been discovered of any jurisdiction having ever been exercised
by magistrates or others.

Old Aberdeen was erected into a burgh of barony in 1489,
with the Bishop of Aberdeen as Superior, and the following list of
those who held the office of chief magistrate, designed provost, is taken
from the existing Eegisters, which commence in 1602. The office does
not appear to have been very regularly preserved until about the
middle of the eighteenth century, after which an appointment was
made every year : —

1602- 5. Sir Thomas Gordon of Cluny.

1606-17.* Alexander Gordon of Cluny.

1640-46. Sir Alexander Gordon of Cluny.

1647-52. Alexander Gordon of Birsmoir.

* There is a break iu the records from 1017-34.

812 Memorials of the Aldennen, Provosts, and

1671-79. Mr. John Scougall, Commissary.

1680-89. James Scougall, Commissary (afterwards Lord Whithill).

1719-23* John Bnchan of Cairnbulg.

1756 60. David Dairy mple, Advocate, and Sheriff of Aberdeen-
shire (afterwards Lord Westhall).

1761-66. Sir James Reid.

1767-69. Thomas Buchan of Auchmacoy,

1770-77. Hon. Charles Boyd.

1778-84. Hugh M'Lean of Coll.

1785-93. Roderick M'Leod, Sub-Principal of King's College.
1794-1800. Hugh Leslie of Powis.

1801- 8. Robert Eden Scott, Professor of Moral Philosophy.

1809-10. Dr. William Jack, Professor of Mathematics.

(Kesolution passed that provost continue in office for
two years only. )

1811-12. Colonel Arthur Forbes.

1813-14. Captain George M'Innes.

1815-16. Dr. William Jack, Principal of King's College.

1817-18. William Paul, Professor of Natural Philosophy.

1819-20. Captain George M'Innes.

1821-22. Professor William Paul.

1823-24. Dr. William Jack.

1825. A. Norman Macleod.

1826-27. George M'Innes.

1828-29. John Leslie of Powis.

1830. James Buchan of Auchmacoy.

1831-37. Dr. William Jack.

1838-42. Hercules Scott, Professor of Moral Philosophy.

1843-44. Dr. William Jack.

1845-46. Dr. Francis Irvine.

1847-49. Alexander Nicol, Shipowner.

1850, Dr. Robert Dyce.

1851-55, George Ferguson, Professor of Humanity.

1856-58. Dr. James Gordon.

1859. John Clark.

1860-63. Rev. Principal Peter Colin Campbell.

1864-66. David Robert Morice, Advocate.

1867-70, William Milligan, D.D,

1871-75. Samuel Trail, D.D., LL.D.

* T!:ere is a break in t!ie records from 1728-38.

Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. 313

1876-78. John Struthers, M.D., Professor of Anatomy,

1879-81. Very Eev. Principal William R. Pirie, D.D.

1882-84. J. W. H. Trail, M.D., Professor of Botany.

1885-86. George Thomson, Brewer.

1887. John Clarke.

1888-90. George Sinclair.

WoODSiDE was formed into a police burgh on 7th June, 1868, and
the election, up till 1879, was held in June of each year, but was then
changed to November. The following is a list of the parties who held
the office of chief magistrate till the amalgamation with Aberdeen in
November, 1891 : —

1868-70. John Crombie, Jun.

1871-73. Dr. James E. Fowler.

1874-76. John Crombie, Jun.

1877-85. David Littlejohn, Advocate.

1886. David Smith. Died on 21st November, 1886.

1886-89. George Farquhar.

1890. Charles Strachan.

INDEX.

Abbot of Bon-Accord, 44, 49.
Abercrombie, Alexander, merchant, 253.

John, junior, 252, 255 ; surgeon,

249, 253.
Robert, merchant, 255 ; minister

of Leslie, 252.
William, H.E.I. C, 252.
Arms of, 254.
Abercrombie's Jetty, 253.
Abercromby, James, of Bellfield, 228.
Aberdeen, Earl of, made a burgess, 293.
Burgh Court of, 49.
Convention of Burghs held in, 131,176.
General Assembly held in, 129.
Municipal laws, 38, 78, 79, 81.
Population of (1447), 47, (1801) 272.
New Seal of, 34.
Aberdeen Journal, copy of, burned by hang-
man, 235.
Aberdeen trade with England, 37, 38, 41, 42, 53.
trade with Low Countries, 59.
Volunteers, proposal to raise a regi-
ment of declined, 248 ; enrolled,
255.
Weekly diurnall ordered to be

printed, 169.
Copper Company, 281, 289.
Jute Co., 289.
" Aberdeen " Line, 279, 297.
Aberdeen Land Association, 286.

Market Co., 278, 284.
Aberdeen, Old, list of provosts, 311.
Aberdeen, Peterhead, and Fraseiliurgh Rail-
way, 283.
Aberdeenshire Canal Company, 257.
Aberdein, Alexander, of Cairnbulg, 204, 224;
merchant, Calcutta, 224.
Christian Carnegie, 225.
Arms of, 225.
Aboyne, Viscount, 146.
Adam, Helen, 304.

William, manufacturer, 304.
Adrian, John, of Winchelsea, 2.
^die, David, 181.

George, merchant, 181.
Airlie, Earl of, made a burgess, 283.
Alanson, Andrew, 30, 52, 53, 54.
Thomas, 53.
William, 53.
Arms of, 53.
Albert, Prince, admitted an honorary burgess,

280 ; statue of, 285.
Alexander, Ale.xander, baillie, 189.
Alkoc, William, 2.

Allardes, James, 198.

John, 197, 2D3, 205 ; baillie, 193 ; elder,
197.
Ancroft, Agnes, 30.
Anderson, Sir Alexander, 284, 295.
Andrew, barrister, 284.
David, baillie, 98.
Catherine Morice, 284.
George, merchant, 123.
Helen, 284.
John, 43.
Mary, 249.

Patrick, of Bourtie, 249.
William, advocate, 284.
Rev. William, of Strichen, 284.
Aims of, 284.
Andrew, Richard, son of baillie, 3.
Andrewson, William, 18, 19.
Angus, Earl of, 99.

Archibald, Earl of, chancellor, 68.
Anne of Denmark, 111.
Arbuthnot, Hugh, of that ilk, 48.
Maraaret, 48, 54.
Mary, 248.
Ardlair, lands of, granted by Bishop Dunbar,

96, 97.
Ardo, lands of, 166.
Argyll, Earl of, 102.
Art Gallery and Museum, 293, 296.
Ashburner, Elizabeth, 269.
Athol, Earl of, 100.
Auchindoun Castle, 149, 159.
Auldjo, George, of Portlethen, 253, 256.
John, „ 253.

John, author, 254.
Lieut. Thomas, 254.
Austria, Archduke of, deputation to, 72.

Banchory-Devenick, Church lands of, 17.
Bank, first, in Aberdeen, 237.
Bannerman, Alexander, (1611), 14 ; professor of
medicine, 209 ; of Waterton, 13,
14.
Sir Alexander, of Elsick, 208 ; M.P.,

209, 273, 275.
Charles W. S., 209.
Mr. Donald, physician, 13, 14.
John, of Elsick, 15.
Patrick, 208.

Arms of, 15 ; origin of surname, 15.
Barbers, charter of incorporation to, 95.
Barnes, John, of East Finchley, 243.
Barracks, proposal for erection of, 245 ; built at
Castlehill, 254.

Index.

315

Ban-on, Dr., 131.

Barton, Robert, of Overbarton, 93.
Bateson, David 0., Liverpool, 277.
William G., solicitor, 277.
Beauvais, Harriet, 256.

Lewis, wine merchant, 256.
Susan, 254.
Bells, gift of, to S. Micholas Church, 7 ; iiisirip-

tion on, 8.
Boll and Petty Customs, abolition of, 278, 291.
Benyn, Adam de, 19.

Alexander, bnillie, 19.
Symon, baillie, 19.
Bernewell, Thomas, of London, 38.
Berwick, lead from, to roof church, 72 ; " oist "

at, 63 ; peace of, 147.
Birnie, George, Strichen, 294.

Georgina Anna, 294.
Bishop of Aberdeen, Adam, 16 ; Alexander, 14 :
Gavin, 88 ; Gilbert, 23, 28 ; Hi^nry, 23 ;
Kyninmund II., 17 ; Robert, 58 ; Thomas, 58.
Black, Elizabeth, 264.

Lt.-Col. Patrick, 249.
Blackburn, Principal, 203.
Blackness Castle, Linlithgow, 67, 84.
Blackwell, Principal, 211.
Blacwatre, Marjory, 13.
lands of, 13.
Blair, Elizabeth, 220.

Gilbert, saddler, 220.
Blinseil, Elizabeth, 29, 42, 60.
Mary, 60.
Ninian. 60.

Robert, 10, 58, 59, 60, 61.
Thomas, 58.

William, 58 ; baillie, 58.
Aims of, 60.
Blaikie, Agnes Dingwall, 277.
Anna Thomson, 277.
Anthony Adrian, advocate, 274, 277.
Elizabeth, 274.
Emily, 277.
Helen, 274, 277.

.Tames, of Craigiebuckler, 274, 277.
Jane, 277.
Janet, 277.
John, advocate, 274 ; in Madras, 277 ;

plumber, 274, 277.
Jlargaret Jopp, 277.
Thomas, 277 ; Sir Thomas, 277, 282.
William Garden, D.D., 274.
Brothers, ironfounders, 277.
John & Sons, plumbers, 274, 277.
Blockhouse, the, 71, 96.
Boece, Hector, principal, 76.
Bon-Accord, Abbot of, 44, 49.
Bonar, James, of Rossy, 85.

Thomas, 5.
Bothwell, Earl of, 100.
Boyes, Anna, 194.

Brands, James, of Old Ferryhill, 206.
Brebner, Alexander, of Learney, 257, 258, 262,
269.
William, of Learney, 262.
Arms of, 263.
Bremner, Andrew, burgess, 74.
Bridewell, or West Prison, erected, 265.
British Association, visit of, 283, 296.
Brodie, Isobel, 218.

Brown, Alexander, 270, 272, 303 ; Alexander,
and Son, 270.
Rev. Charles John, 271.

Brown, Rev. David, of Neilston, 211 ; principal
of Free Church College, 271, 303.

Elizabeth, 211.

James, merchant, 271.

John, 270.

Margaret Dyce, 271, 303.

Walter, burgess, 67.

William, 132 ; bookseller, 270 ; dis-
tributor of stamps, 271.

Rev. William, of (,'raigdam, 270.
Brynnas Tull, lands of, 21.
Buchan, Countess of, 18 ; Earl of, 22 ; Alex-
ander, Earl of, 55.

Jean, 165.

John, of Auchmacoy, 225.
Bucharn, Leslies of, 74.
Buck, Thomas, of Grandholra, 151.
Burgerhays, Michael, bellfounder, 8.
Burgh, boundaries of, extended, 288, 293, 300 ;

alteration in holding property of, 244.
Burghs, Convention of, held in Aberdeen, 131,

176.
Burnett, Alexander, of Countesswells, 187.

Margaret, 209.

Marjory, 187.

Mary, 224.

Mr. Robert, advocate, 158.

Thomas, of Kirkhill, 207.

Sh- Thomas of Leys, 188.
Burns, statue of, 301.
Butler, Margaret, 189.

Cadiow, Cristina, 53.

John, 42.
Cairnbulg Castle, 225.
Caldor, Donald de, 31, 32.
Callabro, William de, chaplain, 11.
Campbell, Rev. Colin, of S. Nicholas, 194.

Principal George, 194.
Cant, Rev. Andrew, 153, 160.

Sarah, 160.
Cargill, Thomas, master of Grammar School, 125.
Carmelite friars, grants to, 3, 13, 16, 21, 31, 32,

35, 55, 85.
Carnegie, Alexander, town-clerk, 240.
Andrew, made a burgess, 301.
Sir James, of Pitarrow, 224.
Nelly, 224.
Carron, Sir Alexander, 15.
Castlehill, watch-house at, 82.
Catanach, Baillie, death of, 7.
Cathedral Church of Aberdeen, 12, 17, 52, 72.
Cementarius, Elene, 1.

Richard, 1, 3.
Chalmers (de Camera), Alexander, 42, 43, 45, 53,
76 ; of Antigua, 220 ; of Cults, 122 ;
of Hazelhead, 123 ; of Murthill,
29,50,51,52,54,55,57, 70, 71.
Sir Andrew, 43.
Annabella, 74.

Captain Charles, of Portlethen, 176.
Catherine, 271.
David, of Westl)urn, 283, 287.
Elizabeth, 20.
Gilbert, 43 ; of Cults, 123.
James, printer, 271.
Rev. James, of Paisley, 175.
Jane, 287.
.Tohn, of Antigua, 220 ; of Balbithan,

74, 106.
Mr. John, 43.
Margaret, 283.

316

Index.

Chalmers, Marjory, 76, 88, 123.

Mr. Patrick, sheriff-clerk, 138.
Richard, 29.

Robert, 29 ; of Balnacraig, 16.
Thomas, 18, 21, 28, 35, 39, 42 ; baillie,

43 ; curate, 29 ; of Strichen, 52.
William, 18, 29, 30, 42, 220, 232 ; of
Boyndie, 123 ; collector of Cus-
toms, 220 ; of Fyudon, 16, 17, 18,
19, 20, 21, 28, 31 ; son, 20, 21, 28.
Arms of, 43, 51, 123.
Chapelane, Alecia, 3.

Charles I., interference in elections, 138,140,145.
II., address presented to, 172 ; amour
of referred to in song, 176 ; covenant
with, 161 ; interference in elections,
172 ; visits the burgh, 163.
Charteris, Rev. Arch. H., D.D., 284.
Cheyne, Isabella, 138.

James, of Pennand, 114.
John, 9, 112 ; baillie, 138 ; of Fortrie,
118.
"Chronicle of Aberdeen," author of, 77, 89.
Churches, parish, erection of, 273, 276.
City of Glasgow Bank Relief Fund, 291.
Clat, Canon John, 49.
Clisson, Leslies of, France, 74.
Clock, town's, sent to Flanders, 94.
Coal, proposal to open mine at Torry, 233.
Cobairdy, laird of, 74.

Cochran, Walter, baillie, 188 ; of Drumbreck,
188 ; town-clerk depute, 188 : arms of, 189.
Coffee-house, early mention of, 199.
Colleges, proposed union of King's and

Marischal, 232, 237.
CoUison, Alexander, 84.

David, 41, 84, 85.

Gilbert, baillie, 119.

John, 84, 85, 87, 119 ; of Auchlunies,

119 ; baillie. 111 ; clerk, 41.
Margaret, 62, 84.
Thomas of Auchlunies, 120.
CoUison Aisk', 27, 43, 87 ; effigies in, 87 ; inscrip-
tions in, 63.
CoUison, Arms of, 120.

Commercial Banking Co. of Aberdeen, 249, 294.
Connon, Ann, 291.
Constantine, Bethune, son of, 3.
Cooper (Cuper), Mr. Robert, 59 ; Sir William,

chaplain, Sl
Cope, Sir John, occupies the burgh, 229.
Cormack, John, schoolmaster, 152.
Correction House established, 143, 169.
Corrichie, battle of, 100.
Cotton, lands of, 114.
Council, earliest minute of election of, 19.
Court-House, new, 265.
Coutts, Jane, 119.

Sande, first scavenger, 56.
Covenant, " Apostles " of, in Aberdeen, 144.
Crab, John, 13.
Crag, Laurence, 45.
Craig, Andrew, of Balmellie, 74.
Crawford, Margaret, 69, 76.
Crichton, Margaret, 74.

William, Lord, of Frendraught, 74.
Crombie, John, of Danestone, 279.
Cromwell's troopers occupy the burgh, 164.
Crookit Myre in Futy, 9, 52.
Cross, Rt. Hon. Sir R. A., made a burgess, 293.
Cross, building of new, 182.
Cruden, Alexander, author, 250.

Cruden, Rev. David. D.D., of Nigg, 251.

William, 250, 253 ; baillie, 250 ; cap-
tain, 251 ; junior, 250.
Cruickshauk, of Berriehill, 184.
Elizabeth, 138.
Elspet, 193.
George, advocate, 190 ; merchant,

186, 215.
James, chirurgeou, 190.
Rachel, 248.

Robert, of Banchory, 184, 190,
193 ; merchant in London,
191.
William, 215, 218.
Cullen, Alexander, 112, 124, 125, 128, 129, 130,
168 ; mortification by, 113.
Andrew, 66, 77, 78, 94 ; monument to,
78 ; baillie, 66 ; parson of Fetter-
ueir, 77.
Christian, 168.
David, 67.
Elizabeth, 52, 130.
George, 168, 171.
Isobel, 168, 171.

John, 66, 67, 77 ; of Knavane, 67.
Mariote, 68, 69.
Robert, baillie, 66, 67, 77 ; killed at

Pinkie, 77.
Thomas, 168.

Walter, baillie, 77 ; reader at S.
Nicholas, 77, 91 ; chronicle of, 66.
Arms of, 67, 68, 78.
Culloden, battle of, 231.
Cumberland, Duke of, 231.
Cumming, Sir Alexander, of Culter, 60, 62, 194.

James, of Breda, 220.
Cunningarhill, watch set at, 82.
Currie, James, provost of Edinburgh, 177.
Cushnie, Rector of, 12.

Dalgarnoe, William de, of Fintray, 13.

Dalrymple, David, advocate, 224.

Daltoune, Thomas, 16.

Dancing School opened, 213.

Dantzic [Danskin], offence towards men of, 67.

Dawson, Rev. T. A., of Monymusk, 291.

David II., grant to Carmelites, 3; prisoner at

Neville's Cross, 9 ; visits burgh, 11.
Davidson, Alexander, of Newton, 184 ; Dr., 275.
Duncan, of Inchmarlo, 266.
Henry, 27.

James, of Midmar, 240.
Laurence, 11, 21.
Margaret, 27.
Robert, 21-27, 28 ; efiigy of, 87 ; grave

of, opened, 2'7.
Thomas, 27 ; master of the Music

School. 152.
William, 21, 219, 240.
Decree Arbitral — agreement with the Guild and

Trades, 121.
Dee, diversion of river, 287, 238.
Dee, Bridge of, proposed, 50 ; built by Bishoji
Dunbar. 93, 96 ; port built at, 108 ; widened,
278 ; battle of, 146.
Deer, Abbey of, 12.
Defences of the burgh, 80, 82.
Dempster, John, of Auchterless, 76.
' Dickson, John, licensed to make golf balls, 148.
Dingwall, Agnes, 277.

Alexander, of Rannieston, 253, 259,
! 277.

Index.

317

Dingwall, Arthur, of Rannieston, 258.

John, of Ardo, 258 ; baiUie, 258.
Anns of, 260.
Disraeli, Kt. IIou. Bcnjauiiu, accepts freoduni

of city, 288.
Doak, Kev. Aiulrew, Trinity Free Church, 279.
Don, ancliorage and landing; dues of vessels at,
239 ; tisliin!,'s on, 42 ; bridge of, 2 ; new
bridu'c of, 272.
Donald, Lord uf the Isles, 23, 24.
Donaldson, Charles, tobacconist, London 227.

Sir William, cliaplain, 53.
Douglas, John, of Tihv hilly, 248.
Jlarnavet, 248.
William, Earl of, 16.
Dove Cot Br.te, 223.
Drum, laird of, 85.

Aisle, 9 ; chantry stone in, 10.
Drummond, Sir Malcolm, 22.

Margaret, 99.
Dutf, Adam, 246.

Alexander, of Keithniore, 246.
Patrick, of Craigston, 246.
Kohert, admiral, 246 ; Sir K. William, 247.
Vvilliam, 60.
Arms of, 247.
Dun, Jean, 158, 159.
Katherine, 195.
Patrick, principal, 158.
laird of, 102.
Dunbar, Bishop Gavin, thanked for building
bridge, 93.
grants lands of Ardlair, 96.
William, 16 ; dean of guild, 124.
battle of, 161 ; castle, siege of, 63.
Duncan, Charles, advocate, 296.
Eliza, 296.

John, of Mosstoun, 238, 241, 242.
Laurence, vicar of Longley, 52.
Williani, burgess, 238 ; merchant, 296.
Arms of, 239.
Dundee, constable of, 25.
Dunfermline, Alexander de, 11.

Emma de, 11.
Dunnottar Castle, 160.
Dunrobin, House of, 83.
Dutch ships lying in the harbour to be seized,

175.
Duthic, Miss, of Ruthrieston, 293.

Park, 291, 293.
Dyce, Isobell, 226.

James, of Disblair, 226.
Janet, 252.

Ebry, or Keltic burn, 116.
Edinhame, Agnes, 6.

Elizabeth, 6.

George, 6.

Henry, 6.

John, 6, 18.

Margaret, 6.

Robert, 6 ; rector of Methlick, 6.
Election of Council, alteration in mode of, 274.
Electric lighting, inauguration of, 301.
Ellon, Rude fair at, 156.
Endeancht, David, 111.

Episcopacy, feeling towards, in Aberdeen, 186.
Errol, Countess of, 186 ; Earl of, 122 ; disavowal

of popish religion by, 122.
Erskine, of Pittodrie, 142.
Um\, 83.
Magdalen, 142, 157.

Erskine, Sir Robert, 36.
Essleniont, Peter, 291.

Peter, farmer, 291.

t'arquhar, Sir Arthur, rear-admiral, 227.
Isobel, 154.
Rev. John, of Nigg, 228; -lohn, of

Noram, 154.
Robert, 227 ; Sir Robert, of Jlounic,

149, 151, 154, 163, 309.
Thomas N., solicitor, 270.
Farquharson, Elizabetli, 250.

Thomas, merchant, 250.
Ferguson, Barbara, 165.
Festival days to be revived, 79.
Findlason, Walter, of S. Andrews, appointed

"clenger," 128.
Findlater, Alexander, 150.

Earl of, 235.
Fichet, Agnes, 41, 84, 85.
John, 27, 28, 41.
Mathew, 40, 41, 37, 84.
Richard, baillie, 40.
Arms of, 40.
Findon, lands of, 17, 75 ; old name of, 75.
Finlayson, Euphemia, 133.
Fire engine obtained from London, 213.
Fishings in Don, action as to, 107.
Fletcher, Laurence, admitted a burgess, 125.
Floddeu, battle of, 80, 82.
Footdee, oldest name, Foty, 12.
Forbes, of Edit, 74 ; of Pitsligo, 93.
of Tolquhon, 196.
Alexander, 33 ; of Brux, 93 ; of Pitsligo,

60, 89. 105.
Anna, 175, 179.
Arthur, of Brux, 93; of Echt, 204 ; Sir

Arthur, of Craigievar, 204.
Barbara, 196.
Catherine, 252.
Charles, of Auchmedden, 267.
Rev. David, of Laurencekirk, 228.
Elizabeth, 89.

Rev. George, of Leochel, 268.
Henry, 46.

Janet, 169 ; Janet Dyce, 269.
Jean, 204.

John, of Bellabeg, 263 ; of Petnacaddel,
115; Lord, 65, 75, 84, 92, 93, 100;
attacks the burgh, 92, 93 ; Lord
President, letter from, 230.
Malcolm of, 42.
Margaret, 74.
Marjorie, 168.

Patrick, baillie, 96, 97 ; bishop, 131.
Robert, of Castleton, 269 ; of Rubislaw,

179 ; Sir Robert, of Learney, 196.
Thomas, baillie, 165 ; of Rubislaw, 179,

180.
Violet, 105.

\A'iUiam, 93, 165, 169 ; coppersmith, 252 ;
of Portlethen, 105 ; of Tolquhon,
115 ; Sir William, of Craigievar, 175.
Forbes-Robertson, Williani, of Hazclhead, 261.
Fordyce, Alexander, banker, 212.
Agnes Dingwall, 266.
Dr. Arthur Dingwall, 228, 264, 266.
David, professor, 212.
George, of Broadford, 211, 213, 215 ; in

Haughs of Ashogle, 211.
Rev. James, 212.
John, surgeon, 212.

318

Index.

Fordyce, Patience D., 264.

Robert, baillie, 212.
Sir William, surgeon, 212.
Fordyce & Co., failure of, 212.

Lectureship on Agriculture, 212.
Parish Church of, 110.
Fotheringham, Margaret, 75.
Foty, Sir Adam, rector of Cushnie, 12.
David de, 12.
John de, 13.

Laurence de, of Waterton, 12, 13. 16, 19.
Fraser, Alexander, merchant, 265, 266 ; of
Philorth, 89; Sir Alex., of Cowie,
14.
Andrew, of Stoneywood, 56.
Arthur, mercliant in Java, 266.
Hon. Miss, 137.
John M., merchant, 266.
William, factor, 265.
Freedom lands, licence to feu, 102.

Marches, riding of, 88, 285, 298.
French invasion threatened, 202.
Futhes, Alan de, 34.

Andrew de, 33.
Fyfe, John de, 26, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 49.
Patrick, 39.
Tliomas, baillie, 39.
Arms of, 39.
Fyngask, David, 5.

John de, 5.
Fynocht, Gilbert de, 3.

William, 3.
Fyvie, laird of, 102 ; vicarage of, 34.

Garden, Dr. George, minister, 186.

William, Braco Park, 274.
Gardeners, incorporated, 213.
Gardyn, Robert, 114.

Thomas, deacon convener, 134 ; Mr.
Thomas, of Blairton, 114.
Garioch lairds, raid by the, 85, 86, 90.
Garvock (Garviach), Andrew de, Caskieben, 12.
Helen, 16.

Sir James, of Balnacraig, 12.
Laurence, 11.
Arms of, 12.
Gelchach, Symon, 4.
Gerard, Rev. Gilbert, of Amsterdam, etc., 239.

Miss, Old Aberdeen, 239.
Gibson, Lieut. Charles Fiederick, 266.
Gifford, Andrew, 28.

Christiana, 30.

Thomas, 30.

William, 30.

Walter, 30.

Arms of, 28.
Gladsmuir, army at, 103.

Gladstone, Rt. Hon. W. E., made a burgess, 288.
Glenlivet, battle of, 100, 121.
Glenny, Agnes, 9.
Goldsmith, Martin, the, 2.
Golf, a favourite pastime, 148.
Gordon, Adam, of Auchindoun, 100.

Agnes, or Annabella, 74.

Alexander, 100, 185, 200 ; of Birsmoir,
137 ; lord, 62.

Sir Alexander of Cluny, 132 ; of Midmar,
61.

Anne, 200, 205.

Barbara, 137, 168.

General C. G., statue of, 298.

Duke of, 183.

Gordon, Elizabeth, 100.

Sir Francis of Lesmoir, 242.

George, of Buxburn, 249 ; of Shillagreen,

188.
Gilbert, 101.

James, of AuchmuU, 116 ; of Bothie-
raay, his plan of the town, 173 ; of
Seaton, 179.
Rev. James, 100.
Janet, 189, 200.
Jean, 100.

John, baillie, 97, 101 ; " Campvere," 200,
205, 211; lord, 99; Mr., 98; mer-
chant, 185, 190, 200; Rev., of Old
Deer, 200 ; Sir .John, 100 ; Sir John,
of Haddo, 159.
Lord Lewis, lieutenant of Aberdeen-
shire, 230.
Sir Ludovick, of Gordonstoun, 152.
Margaret, 100, 242 ; of Abergeldie, 170.
Patrick, of Gartly, 100 ; of Haddo, 74.
Robeit, killed at Corrichie, 100 ; granted
a feu for his hospital, 216 ; hospital
called "Fort Cumberland," 232;
centenary of opening, 280 ; changed
from hospital to college, 293.
Mr. Robert, 179.
Thomas, 100; Dr., 171; of Grandholm,

113, 116.
William, bishop of Aberdeen, 100 ; of
Goval, 193.
Gordon's Mill, on Don, 114.
Gorsach, John, proposes to find coal at Torry,

233.
Governors of Aberdeen, 310.
Gowrie conspiracy, anniversary a day of thanks-
giving, 124.
Graham, Harie, of Morphie, 173.
Grammar School rebuilt, 238, 285.
Gray, Gilbert, baillie, 113 ; burgess, 27, 154, 168 ;
of Saphock, 171, 174, 178.
Jlattie, 190.
Patrick, burgess, 154.
Thomas, librarian, 155 ; of Mamewlay, 154,

157, 167, 171.
William, 168, 173.
Gray's Art School, 293.
Greatheued, Mathew, 1, 2.
Green, well in the, 202.
Greyfriars, established in Aberdeen, 52 ; place,

grant of, 31, 45, 93, 101.
Guild, Dr. William, 69.
Guild Brethren's Hospital, 196.
Guildry funds, bills dealing with, 287, 290.
Gunpowder Plot, broadside relating to, 128.

Hadden, Alexander, 260, 269.

Gavin, of Union Grove, 269, 271, 272,

273 ; manufactm-er, 269.
James, of Persley, 240. 258, 260, 263,
265, 269, 273 ; dean of guild, 261 ;
manufacturer, 269.
John Innes, 261.
Thomas Leys, 261.
William Innes, 269.
Haddington, John, 36.
Hamilton, John, chamberlain to the Duke of

Gordon, 229 ; Dr. Robert, professor, 228.
Hardie, John, merchant, 233.
Harbour, Acts for, and improvements at, 193,
245, 255, 263, 272, 278, 287, 289, 290, 302, 305.
Harlaw, ballad of, 24, 25.

Index.

319

Harlaw, battle of, 24, 28, 51.

Hai-vev, Arthur, 265.

Hay, Sir Andrew Leith, 290.

Hugh, of Park. 218.

Janet, 169.

Jean, 120.

John, of Brightnioiiey, 218 ; of Park, 218.

William, 186.
Henderson, Sir William, Devanha House, 279,

297 ; arms of, 299.
Henry, Ann, 291.

George, 281, 291.
John, son of, 34.
Hill, Adam, 42.

Constance Mary, 277.
Lawrence, 6.
Hogarth, George, of Woodhill, 261.
Holy blood, aisle of the, 87.
Home, John, kirk officer, 152.
Home, Lord, forfeiture of, 82.
Honeyman, Rev. James, of Kinneff, 197.
Horse-racing on the links, 253.
Hunter, James, dancing master, 213.

W. A., M.P., made a burgess, 301.
Huntly, Earl of, 50, 51, 83, 109, 111, 122 ; Alex-
ander, 99 : George, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 ;
Marquis of, 146, 149.
Hutcheon, Rev. Jolin, of Fetteresso, 228.
Hyde, General Henry, R.E., 277.

Improvement Scheme (1846), 278, (1876) 290,

(1883) 293.
Infirmary, foundation of, 221 ; extension of,

298 ; extension opened, 301.
Ingram, Elizabeth, 257.

William, merchant, Huntly, 257.
Innes, Alexander, of Breda and Cowie, 240, 256.
260, 269.
Colonel, of Learney, 263.
Elizabeth, 204.
Hope, 269.
Jane, 256.

Margaret, of ilosstoun, 239.
Violette Elizabeth, 260.
William, of Hallgreen, 262.
Inverugy, vicar of, 50.

Irvine, Alexander, of Drum, 62 ; of Murthill,
194 ; Sir Alexander, of Drum, 23, 24,
40, 310.
Catherine, 249.
Elizabeth, 65.
Elspet, 122.
Helen, 194.

Henry, baillie, 95, 101.
Mary, 300.

Jackson, William, 29.
Jacobite Council, acts of, 209.
Jaffray, Alexander, baillie, 142 ; II. of Kings-
wells, 141, 145, 148, 149, 157, 169 ;
III. of Kingswells, 142, 149, 157,
164, 169.
.Tohn, of Dilspro, 142, 169, 186.
Margaret, 288.
Robert, 141.

Thomas, of Dilspro, 170.
Arms of, 142.
James I., negotiations for ransom of, 34 ; II.,
charter by, 47 ; holds justiee-ayre, 36 ;
queen of, visits bui gh, 48 ; visit of, 46 ; III.
charter by, 61 ; death of, 65 ; IV., 99 ; grants
letters under Great Seal, 70, 80 ; queen of,

visits burgh, 79, 80 ; V., visits burgh, 91, 95
death of, 97; VI., accession to crown of
England, 126 ; charter by, 125 ; visits the
burgh, 121, 124 ; VII., address to, 182 ; inter-
ference in elections, 183, 185; VIII., pro-
claimed at Aberdeen, 208, 230.
Jamesone, Jeane, 180.
■Tamieson, George, of Rosebank, 289, 292.
.folinson. Dr. Samuel, made a burgess, 246.
Johnstons, of Middle Disblair, 89.
Johnston, Agnes, 139.

Alexander, in Pettens, 194.

Dr. Arthur, 168.

Barbara, 168.

George, Dean of Guild, 89; of

Crimond, 139.
John, 191, 192, 193 ; of that ilk, 14,
139 ; Sir John, of Caskieben, 196.
Rachel, 284.

Robert, of Crimond, 139, 144, 145.
William, of Foresterhill, 168 ; of Mid-
dle Disldair, 193; of Viewfield,
284 ; Lieut. -Col., 140.
Arms of, 141.
.Jopp, Alexander, of Kingston, 243.

Andrew, advocate, 243, 253 ; merchant in

Insch, 243.
James, of Cotton, 227, 243, 245, 247, 249,
251 ; feuar in Insch, 243 ; junior, of
Cotton, 243.
Arms of, 244.
Justice Mills, 7 ; battle of, 150, 160.

Keith, Alexander, of Anquhorsk, 106.
Andrew, of Inverugy, 32.
Lady Elizabeth, 100.
Isobel, 199.

James, of Auquhorsk, 74, 106.
Laird of Troup, 105.
Margaret, 105.
Robert, master of, 32.
Kellar, George, & Co., of Glasgow, 247.
Kemnay, Lord, 132.
Kennedy, Duncan, constable of Aberdeen, 39.

Dr. Hugli, 233.
Kidd, Christian Little, 279.

Rev. Dr., 279.
Kidnapping, system of, 226.
Kildrummy Castle, 18, 30.
King, Rev. John, of Dyce, 217.
Kingussie, Standing Stones of, court at, 17.
Kinkell, Rector of, 23.
Kintore, David, 47.

John, baillie, 50.

Marion, 50.

Richard, 49, 50, 53.

Robert, 50.

William, 31, 32, 33, 34, 49 ; advocate,

174.
burgh of, 46, 50.
Thanage lands of, 74.
Knight, Professor, 270.
Knollis, John, 39.

Mariote, 39.
Kynnedy, David, baillie, 4.
Duncan, 3.
Peter, 3.

Largeon, Joshua, dancing master, 213.
Lauder, Isabella, 73.
Laurence, bell recast, 134.
Legertwood, James, of Tillery, 219.

320

Index.

Leith, Barbara, 242.
Christian, 9.

John, 7, 20 ; of EdinRarioch, 74.
Laurence, of Barns, 7, 19, 20.
Norman, 20.
Patrick, of Harthill, 74.
William, of Euthrieston, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13,
19.
Leith, landing of English army at, 98.
Lennox, Duke of, 165.

Leslie, Alexander, of that ilk, 86 ; of Balciuhain,
62 ; of Wardis, 73, 74, 84.
Andrew, 74 ; of Bucharii, 89 ; 8ir Andicw,

of Balquliain, 57.
Annsibella, 74.
Bessie, 74.
Catherine, 249.
Clara 74.

David, 57 ; of Leslie, 27 ; merchant, 249.
Elizabeth. 55, 84.
Georse, 183, 190.
.Tames, 57, 58 ; merchant in Dantzic, 184 ;

principal of King's College, 171.
.Tanet, 52, 195.
.Jean, 137.

.Tohn, 189; baillic, 137, 148, 184, 189:
merchant in Dantzic, 184 ; of Bal-
(luhain, 89, 137; of Wardis, 73, 74,
85.
:Margaret, 74, 126.
>Ia; jory, 74.

Patrick, burgess, 137 ; master of kirk-
work, 83 ; Sir Patrick, of Iden, 134,
137, 145, 147, 148, 149, 150, 156, 163.
195.
Robert, killed at Pinkie, 74.
Sarah, 190.
Walter, 73, 74.

William, 184 ; of Balquhain, 55, 86, 96 ;
of Nethermuir, 288 ; of AA'ardis,
120 ; of Warthill, 74.
Arms of, 289.
lesnioir, laird of, 123.
Levingston, John, vicar of Inverngy, 50.
Leys, Christian, 262.

Francis, baillie, 257, 262.
Janet, charge of witchcraft against, 119.
Thomas, of Glasgoforest. 257, 262.
Masson, & Co., 258.
Still, & Co., 258.
Libraries Act adopted, 296 ; new librarv opened,

301.
Liddcl, Dr. Duncan, 115.
Isabella, 33.
Jean, 115.
John, 33.

Nicolas, baillie, 3.
Lilbui-ne, Colonel, 167, 171.
Lindsay, Colonel C. B., 270.
Euphemia, 55.

Colonel Martin, of Halbeath, 261.
Sir Walter, 75.
Linen cloth, premiums given for best manu-
facture of, 214.
Livingston, Ale.xander, of Countesswells, 232 ;
baillie, of Fomet, 232.
Arms of, 233.
Lochlands, improvement of, 224.
Lockhart, Robert, 102.

Sir Steven, of Cleghorn, 67.
Logic, Eliza, 274.
Loirston, Loch of, 105.

Lome, Marquis of, made a burgess, 298.
Low, Anna, 217, 226.

Robert, merchant, Old Aberdeen, 217.
Lowel, Thomas, 6.
Lovvson, John, 110.

Lumsden, Alexander, advocate, 223 ; of Euthrie-
ston, 137.

Elspet, 112.

Rev. James, of Towie, 258.

Janet, 123.

Mary, 258.

Robert, of Clova, 112, 123.
Luther's books, act against introduction, 88.
Lychtoun, Duncan, chancellor, 52.
Lynton, Symon, 6.

M'Kelly, John, 11.
M'Intyre, Colin Campbell, 261.
Madeth, Alexander, 11.
Magistrates, chains for, 256.
Maitland, Sir Charles, of Pitrichie, 208.

Margaret, 208.
Malauill (Melville), Duncan de, 3.

Walter, 2.
aiar, Alexander, 41, 81 ; Earl of, 18, 22, 23, 24,
26, 29.
David, baillie, 81 ; merchant, 242.
Donald, Earl of, 7.
Isabella, Countess of, 22, 36.
Jean, 242.
John, 81, 82, 83, 90; younger, 41, 42, 48;

baillie, 81 ; burgess, 81.
Roliert, burgess, 123.
Thomas, 56, 68.
Ai-nis of, 83.
Marescallo, William, 2.
I Marischal, Earl, 100, 113, 207.
I College, rebuilding of, 275; exten-

; sion of, 304.

I Lodging at Castle Street, 13.

Street, formation of, 242.
I Matthews, James, of Springhill, 292, 294,
1 James Duncan, 296.

Peter, banker, 294.
I Mawle, Thomas de, Lord Panmure, 52.
I Jleal riots, 242.

I Mearns, Rev. Alexander, of Towie, 228.
Daniel, 304 ; shipmaster, 304.
Megray Hill, skirmish at, 146.
Mellin, John, painter, 26.
Menzies, Agnes, 65, 89.

Alexander, 48, 54, 55, 57, 63, 73, 76, 89,

105 ; of Kinmundy, 137.
Andrew, 33, 50, 54, 74, 76; of Pit-

fodels, 48.
Christian, 89.

David, 62, 76 ; elder, 126; younger, 65,
66, 70 ; of Findon, 75 ; of Pitfodels,
65.
George, 105.

Gilbert, 21, 31, 32, 33, 34, 39, 48, 76, 89-
95; ofCowlie, 105,109; elder, 126;
of Findon, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84,
87, 88.
John, 76, 105, 135.
Joneta, 65.
Katherine, 89.
Margaret, 61.
Sir Paul, of Kinmundy, 8, 110, 132,

139.
Robert, 89; of Tulloch, 106; Sir
Robert, of Wemyss, 32.

Index.

321

Menzies, Thomas, 76, 87, 89, 90, 91, 94, 95, 96,
100-104 ; of Kiikliill and Durii, 109,
110, 114, 116, 132, 307 ; of Pitfodels,
69, 88. 105, 109 ; Mr. Thomas, 89 ;
Sir Thomas, of Diirn and Cults,
116, 121, 126, 129, 130.
William, 32.
Arms of, 55, 89.
-Merctr, Asnos, 197.
Duncan, 5.
Jean, 196.
John, haillie, 3.
Thomas, 5, 11.
lleston, AVilliani, his " .Mob contra Mob," 201.
Middleton, Lady Diana, 244.
Mills, town, assigned to Gilbert Menzies, 107.
Milne, Alexander, of C'rimonniogate, 209.
George, of Kinaldie, 291.
James, 276.
Mary, 29l.
Cruden, & Co., 233.
Low, & Co., 276.
Mitchell, Andrew, of Foveran, 219 ; Sir Andrew,
196.
Jean, 219, 276.
Thomas, 193, 195, 196, 199, 219; of

Thainston, 195, 196.
Arms of, 196.
:Mollison, Helen, 220.
Moir, Catherine Jane, 259.

Rev. George, of Kintore, 243.
James, 123.
Jean, 243.
Marjory, 195.

■\Villiani, of Lonmay, 231, 311 ; Ilev.
William, of Fyvie, 259.
Monck, General, 164, 165.
Monro, General Kobert, 148, 153.
JNIontrose attacks the burgh, 146, 150 ; limb of,

removed from S. Nicholas, 173.
Moravia, Alexander de, of Culbyiie, 68.
-More, George, of Raeden, 256, 263 ; major, 256.
Gilbert, of Eaeden, 256 ; of H.E.I.C, 256.
Principal, 179.
Jlorison, George, burgess, 165 ; of Barra, 166 ;
of Pitfour, 165 ; Rev. George, 227.
James, junior, of Elsick, 217, 226, 235,

264 ; senior, 216, 226.
Janet, 264.

Thomas, merchant in London, 217 ;
surgeon, 227.
Mowat, George, dean of guild, 236.
James, manufacturer, 256.
Jane Mitchell, 256.

William, of Colpnay, 236 ; merchant, 236.
Municipal buildings erected, 285.

regulations, 38, 78, 79, 81.
ilurdoch, Katherine, 250,
JMurray, Rev. John, Aberdeen, 271.
Regent, 99, 100.

New Inn built by Mason Lodge, 238.

Streets, Act for opening up of, 259.
Nicholas, old bell recast, 126.
Nicol, Alexander, 286.

George William, 287.
Patrick, 286.
Arms of, 287.
Nicolsou, George, 131.

Thomas, baillie, 89, 131 ; Sir Thomas,
advocate, 132.
North of Scotland Bank, 284.

Northern Assurance Co., 284.
Nottebohm, Baron, 266.
Emilie, 266.
Ogilvie, laird of Dunlugas, 116.

Alexander, of iioyne, 100 ; of Durn, 109;
of Invertiuharity, 32.

Elizabeth, 116, 249.

George, of Au(tIiterhouse, 25.

Jean, Lady, 204.

Margaret, 109, 132.

Sir William, of Stratherue, 109.
Ogston, Jonete, 81.

Old Deer, settlement of minister at, 201.
Osborn, Jane, 236.

Principal John, 236.

Paip, Mr. Robert, advocate, 113.

Parishes, amalgamation of, 301.

Parliament, member of, for the burgh, 273.

Patrie, Elizabeth, 151.

Patton, Alexander, 195, 199 ; of Kinaldie, 199.

Isabella, 195.

Arms of, 200.
Peel, Sir Robert, made an honorai-y burgess, 280.
Pelgoueni (Balgovny, Palogoueuy), Malcolm de,

Penny weddings, &c., prohibited, 198.
Pestilence, or Plague in the burgh, 72, 81, 82,

108, 128, 156.
Petrie, Elizabeth, 175.

James, of Portlethen, 176 ; sheriff-sub-
stitute, 250.
Robert, merchant in Edinburgh. 176 ; of
Portlethen, 175, 178, 180 ; imprison-
ment in Edinburgh, 177, 180.
Arms of, 176.
Phanes, Isobel, 215.

William, convener of trades, 215.
Pinkie, battle of, 99.
Pitarrow, laird of, 102.
Pitfodels' lodgings, 91, 92, 242.
Police Commission obtained, 255.
Pollock, Principal Robert, 223.
Poor's Hospital, foundation of, 221.
Population of the city, 47, 272.
Porthill Company, 233.
Ports, order for removal, 244.
Post, foot, established between Edinburgh and

Aberdeen, 178.
Powrie, laird of, 75.
Prat, Bessie, 77.

Propositus, meaning of term, 1 ; use of, 50.
Pretender, address to, at Dunnottar, 209.
Primrose, Katherine E., 288.
Rev. William, 288.
Pringle, Captain, 258.
Printing, introduction of, to burgh, 131.
Prot, William, 198.

Provost, title in common use, 78 ; to reside
within burgh, 120 ; black velvet dress to be
worn by, 226 ; chain of office for, 241 ; pro-
vided with a robe, 298.

Quakers, form of burgess oath modified for,
205 ; persecution of, 162, 174, 179, 182.

Queen Street laid out, 247

Queen Victoria, address presented to, 280, 299 ;
first visit to the city, 280 ; silver keys pre-
sented to, 283, 289 ; statue of, 285, 301.

Raban, Edward, printer, 131.
Railways opened, 280, 282, 284, 285.

322

Index.

Rebellion of 1715, 207 ; of 1745, 228.
Reformation, progress of, in Aberdeen, 104, 105.
Reginald, Thomas, son of, baillie, 3.
Reid, Ada, 68.

Alexander, of Pitfodels, 68, 76 ; portrait

of, 69.
Andrew, of Pitfodels, 48, 68.
Henry, 68.
John, 68.
Katherine, 68.

Marion, 69, 76, 89, 90, 105, 109.
Robert, 68.

William, of Pitfodels, 18, 68.
Arms of, 90.
Richardson, Helen, 274, 277.
Richmond, Captain, R.N., 288.

Stansmore Read, 288.
Rickart, David, 203.
George, 113.
Robert I., charters by, 70, 88 ; visits of, 16, 20.
Kobertson, Alexander, of Glasgoego, 223, 232,
238 ; Di'. Alexander, of Hazle-
head, 240.
Andrew, younger, of Pitmillan, 240.
James, baillie, 223.
John, of Pitmillan, 219.
Thomas, advocate, 219.
Violet, 240.
Walter, baillie, 183.
William, 137.

Arms of Foveran, 219 ; Glasgoego,
223
RoUand, William, 101.
Rose, Jean, 223.

of Kilravock, 223.
Rosebery, Earl of, made a burgess, 296.
Ross, of Auchlossin, 203 ; of Kilravock, 203.
Earl of, 44, 51.
Elspet, 224.

Francis, of Auchlossin, 203.
George, Calcutta, 277.
Hugh, 24.
Jean, 224.

John, 11 ; of Arnage. 203, 204, 224 ; of
Clochcan, 203 ; .John Leith, of Arnage,
10, 249.
aiargaret, 294.

William, builder, 294 : chaplain, 28.
Arms of, 205.
RouU, of Corstorphine, 30.
Barnard de, 29.
John, 30.
Thomas, 26, 29, 30.
Rothesay, Duke of, 22.
Ry, Roger de, 2.

Russell, Lord John, made a burgess, 283.
Rutherford, Alexander, 46, 62, 101 ; of Rubis-
l:iw, 109, 110, 114, 122, 124, 123-
130.
Andrew, 46, 61.
David, 130.

Mr. Duncan, rector of Clatt, 46.
Elizabeth, 60, 62.
Henry, 61.
Isabella, 46, 53.
John, 62 : Sir John, of Tarland, 61-

66, 71, 72, 76, 87.
Marjorie, 114.
Richard, 40, 66.
Thomas, dean of guild, 113.
Arms of, 46, 63, 127.
Ruthrieston Bridge, 192.

S. Christopher, altar of, 69.
S. Duthac's, Tain, 95 ; patronage of altar of, 46.
S. Eittick's, Nigg, watch set at, 82.
S. .Tohn of .Ferusalem, Master of Hospital of, 75.
S. John, Knights of, property of, 75.
S. Mary's Chapel, 51.

S. Nicholas Church, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 17, 25, 33,
39, 41, 45, 51, 55, 57, 59, 77, 87 ; building of
choir of, 83 ; closed for worship, 218 ; re-
opened, 237,
S. Ninian, altar of, 76 ; chapel on Castlehill,

60, 84.
S. Omer in France, 2.
S. Thomas' Hosiiital, 49, 130, 132, 154.
Salmon fishing on Don, dispute as to, 92.
Saltoun, Lord, of Philorth, 137.
Sandilands, Mr. James, of Cotton, 163, 187 ; of
Craibstone, 187.
John, of Countesswella, 187.
Anns of, 188.
Scherar, Andrew, 53. 54, 55, 56.
John, baillie, 45
William, 45, 46, 47, 53, 54.
Scott, Margaret, 208.

Patrick, of Thirlstone, 208.
" Skipper," house in Castlegate, 210.
" Scottish Maid," clipper vessel, 287.
Scroggs, Alexander, 36.

David, baillie, 35.

John, father, 35, 36, 37, 47 ; son, 47, 43,

49.
Marion, 36, 47.
Marjorie, 47.
Thomas, 37, 56.
Scrynigeours, standard-bearers of Scotland, 15.
Seal of the burgh, custody of, 54 ; new, 34.
Seaton, Claris, 180.
Session, presbyterian, chosen, 191.
Seton, Alexander, of Meldrum, 86, 91.
Isabella, 137.
Maigaret, 85.

William, 61 ; of Meldrum, 84.
Shakespeare -was he a burgess ? 125.
Shand, George, 241, 245.

Rev. James, of Kintore,241.
Rev. John, of Premnay, 241.
Sharp, Pa., 28.

Shaw, James, iron merchant, 283.
Shepherd, George, merchant, 256.

Helen, 256.
Sheriffs, right to office of, 44.
Sherrifs, Rev. Dr., of Aberdeen, 228.
Sherwood, Rev. W. Bradford, 294.

Mary Anna, 294.
Shiprow, serious fire In, 178.
Shorelands, Provisional Order, 296.
Singour, John, 94.
Skene, Alexander, 254.

David, at Mill of Potterton, 180.
George, of Rubislaw, 286 ; Mr. George,
regent. King's College, 181 ; Sir
George, of Rubislaw, 180 ; house in
Guestrow, 182.
James, of Bandodell, 112.
Robert, 170.
Arms of, 181.
Smart, Jean, 197.
Smith, Gilbert the, 2.

James, deacon convener, 234.
Social Science Congress, visit of the, 291
Sol way Moss, battle of, 97.
South access to town proposed, 250.

Index.

823

Spaniai'tis, threatened landing of, 133.
Spitalhills, 3.

Stanhope, Earl of, made a burgess, 283.
Stanley, H. M., made a buraess, 301.
Steill, .John, of Ediiibiu'sh, 298.
Stephen, Andrew, Ilubislaw, 279.

Anne, 279.
Stewart (Stuart), of r,<inklo, 205.

Alexander, 205, 266 ; bishop of Moray, 74.

Sir David, of Banchory, 299.

.lames, 22.

.lean, 266.

John, of Banchory, 299 ; professor of
Matlieniatics, 205.

Robert, of Bridgeford, 200, 205, 210,
213 214

Walter, of bryland, 74.

Arms of, 206, 304.
Rtocket, dispute as to Forest of, 70, 124.
Stockings, trade in, 259.
Strabrok, Henry, 5.

AVilliam, of Foveran, 4, 5.
Strachan, Jean, 223.

Margaret, 18.
Marjory, 18.
Michael, 18.
Str:ithbogie Castle, 159.
Strathpetfer, mineral springs, 227.
Street improvements, 301, 305.
Surridge, Richard, of Du))lin, 239.
Sutherland, Alex., Earl of, 100.
.Sutherlandshire, silver mines in, 117.
Symson, ilargarot, 233.

Taylor, Ann, 259.

Taxation, complaint as to burden of, 103.
Telegraph, city connected with south by, 282.
Thomson, Ale.xander, of Banchory, 266.
Thompson, Andrew, H.E.I.S., 279.

George, junior, of Pitmedden, 279, 299.
George, & Co., shipowners, 279, 297.
Jane Boyd, 279, 299.
Tliorburn, Rev. Joseph, of F'orglen, 271.
Toasch, Rev. Alexander, of Tarland, 252.

Margaret, 252.
Tod, Thomas, ban ister, 270 ; Sir Thcmias, pro-
vost of Edinburgh, 72.
Tony constituted a burgh of barony, 71 ; bridge
to, 237, 290, 293 ; farm, 287 ; watch-house
at, 82.
Town Clerkship claimed by Thomas Menzies,

110.
Town Clerk, form of presentation to office, 63, 64.
Town-House, licence to build a, 18 ; reconstruc-
tion of old, 234.
Trade of Aberdeen, early reference to, 2 ; with
the Low Countries, 67, 77 ; merchant's
return of, 222, 237 ; premium given for
encouragement of, 214.
Trades Union Congress, visit of, 296.
Trail, Alexander, 56.

Rev. James, of Brechin, 197.
Professor William, 206.
Trawling, premium for encouragement of, 245.
Treasury Funds placed under Trustees, 267.
Troup, William, of Colmaleggie, 74.
Tsar of Russia, address to, 306.
Tulloh (Tulch, Tulach), John, 15, 32.
Walter, 15, 32.
William, 15.
Turing, Isabella de, 35.

John R., merchant, Rotterdam, 266.

Tuiing, Robert, 37.

William, of Foveran, 5.

Udny, .Tohn, of Xewhills, 188.
Union Bank, 91.
Union Bridge, 258, 259, 261, 294.
University Court, Lord Provost a member ex
ojlido, 502.
Buildings extension .scheme, 302.
Upperkirkgnte port removed, 254.
Urquhart,'Mary, 246.

Patrick, of ]\rounie, 151.

Robert, ))aillie, 292.
Ury, John, of Pitfichie, 123 ; General John, 123.

Vans, Gilbert, 45.
.Tames, 45.

John, 31, 33, 34, 35, 44, 45, 66 ; of Many, 75.
Mr. Martin, 45.
Richard, 31, 45.
William, 45.

Wales, Prince of, made a burgess, 285.
Walker, Alexander, 184, 186, 194, 197.
Christian, 184, 190.
Grissel, 185.
George, advocate, 194.
Isobel, 197, 211.

Rev. James, of Dunnottar, 206.
Robert, 73.
Wallace, William, clock-keeper, 95.
Sir William, statue of, 298.
Wandail, Michael, introduces weaving of cloth,

124.
Warbeck, Perkin, 55, 71, 72.
Wardhouse, building of, 129.
Wardis, Barons of, l52.

Water supply, first scheme for, 134 ; brought
from Gilcomston, 202, 242; taken from
river at Bridge of Dee, 272 ; from Cairnton,
285 ; acts connected with, 293, 296, 300.
Watson, Alexander, merchant, 190.
:\Iary, 288.

Robert, manufacturer, 288.
Webster, Alexander, advocate, 282, 283.

John, of Edgehill, 282.
Westhall, Lord, 224.
Westland, Alexander, merchant, 206.
Whyte, Rev. John, of Coylton, 191.
Wight, ilargaret, 238.
William III., address to, 186.
Williamson, Peter, 226.
AVillox, George, baillie, of Old Aberdeen, 253.
Windmill hill, 49.
Winton, Robert, 74.
Wood, Sir Andrew, of Largo, 70.

Isabella, 60.
Woodside, chief magistrates of, 313.
Wooler, death of Provost Menzies at, 117.

York, Duke of, address to, 301.
Young, Arthur, of \\"orthing, 264.

Elspet, 260, 269.

Gavin, 243.

Gavin David, 265.

George, 264.

James, 248, 264.

William, of Sheddocksley, 248, 250, 253
260, 264 : writer, 264.

Williamina, 253.
Ysaac, Alexander, 6.

the clerk, 6, 21.

"KEEE I'RESS" PRINTING WORKS,
ABERDEEN

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Full text of "Memorials of the aldermen, provosts, and Lord provosts of Aberdeen, 1272-1895"

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